Apparatuses, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products for improved multi-user channel management

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for improvements in managing connection channels for multiple associated users. As connection channel changes occur for one or more users, various connection channels are updated such that appropriate functionality is accessible as determined based on aspects of the connection channel change. Example embodiments provide for establishing, with an electronic data management system, a connection channel associated with processing a shared electronic data object, where the connection channel is established associated with a first user data object; and causing rendering of a user interface that provides access to first functionality via the electronic data management system, and receiving an indication of a connection channel change, and causing updated rendering, based on the connection channel change and in response to receiving the indication of the connection channel change, of the user interface to provide access to updated functionality via the electronic data management system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/656,713, titled “Apparatuses, Computer-Implemented Methods, andComputer Program Products for Improved Multi-User Channel Management,”filed Mar. 28, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/083,090, filed Oct. 28, 2020, which is now U.S. Pat. No.11,323,523, issued May 3, 2022, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to managingtransmission channels by which users associated with various devicesaccess functionality of a system, and specifically to managing variousdevice connection channels for engaging with various disparate devicesthrough multiple connection channels.

BACKGROUND

Conventional computing systems rely on particular connection channelsbetween particular devices to ensure that users experience continuitywhile accessing particular functionality of the computing system. Incircumstances where one or more of such connection channels are closedor changed, such computing systems often fail to provide continuousfunctionality and/or a continuous user experience to the same user uponinitiating a new connection channel. Additionally, these computingsystems often fail to provide appropriate functionality to one or moreusers based on the connection channel change.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided hereinprovide improved management of connection channels associated withvarious users and corresponding user devices. Other implementations formanaging connection channels will be, or will become, apparent to onewith skill in the art upon examination of the following figures anddetailed description. It is intended that all such additionalimplementations be included within this description be within the scopeof the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, acomputer-implemented method is provided. In some example embodiments,the example computer-implemented methods are implemented via any one ormore computing devices embodied in hardware, software, firmware, and/ora combination thereof, as described herein. An examplecomputer-implemented method includes establishing, with an electronicdata management system, a connection channel associated with processinga shared electronic data object, wherein the connection channel isestablished associated with a first user data object. The examplecomputer-implemented method further includes causing rendering of a userinterface including one or more interface elements that provide accessto first functionality via the electronic data management system. Theexample computer-implemented method further includes receiving anindication of a connection channel change. The examplecomputer-implemented method further includes causing updated rendering,in response to receiving the indication of the connection channelchange, of the user interface to comprise one or more second interfaceelements that provide access to updated functionality via the electronicdata management system, wherein the updated functionality is based onthe connection channel change.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the example computer-implemented methodfurther includes initiating the connection channel change with theelectronic data management system by establishing a connection with asecond connection channel associated with the first user data object.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the example computer-implemented methodfurther includes providing, to the electronic data management system,user authentication credentials associated with the first user dataobject.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the connection channel is establishedassociated with a first computing device and the connection channelchange is associated with at least a second computing device, whereinthe updated functionality utilizes at least a shared device capabilityperformable by both the first computing device and the second computingdevice.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the shared electronic data object isassociated with a set of user-driven actions comprising a firstuser-driven action to be performed by a second user data object before asecond user-driven action to be performed by the first user data object,wherein the indication of the connection channel change is associatedwith the second user data object, and wherein the updated functionalitycomprises functionality for performing the second user-driven actionbefore the first user-driven action.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the established connection channel isassociated with a first computing device, and causing updated rendering,in response to receiving the indication of the connection channelchange, of the user interface includes causing updated rendering of theuser interface to comprise an alert indicating that a first devicecapability incapable of performance by the first computing device ispreferred or required.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the examplecomputer-implemented method, the established connection channel isassociated with a first computing device, and wherein the updatedfunctionality is associated with at least one device aspect comprisingat least one of a level of computing power associated with the firstcomputing device, a level of network connectivity associated with thefirst computing device, a level of electronic security associated withthe first computing device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an exampleapparatus is provided. In at least some embodiments of an exampleapparatus, the example apparatus includes at least one processor and atleast one non-transitory memory having computer-coded instructionsstored thereon. The memory in execution with the at least one processorconfigures the example apparatus to perform any one of the examplecomputer-implemented methods described herein.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, an examplecomputer program product is provided. In at least some embodiments of anexample computer program product, the example computer program productincludes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer program code stored thereon that, upon execution, isconfigured for performing any one of the example computer-implementedmethods described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the embodiments of the disclosure in generalterms, reference now will be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system that may be speciallyconfigured within which embodiments of the present disclosure mayoperate;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example apparatus embodying anelectronic data management system that may be specially configured inaccordance with at least one example embodiment of the presentdisclosure

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example apparatus embodying aspecialized computing device that may be specially configured inaccordance with at least one example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a data flow diagram depicting operations of anexample system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart including operations of an exampleprocess for connection channel management in accordance with at leastone example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates another flowchart including operations of anotherexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations ofanother example process for connection channel management, in accordancewith at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations ofanother example process for connection channel management, in accordancewith at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed,embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different formsand should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout.

Overview

Users that interact with one or more systems comprising any number ofsystems, computing device(s), and/or the like (e.g., remote servers) toaccess various functionality often do so through use of a particularconnection channel. In this regard, the user's computing device may beconfigured to enable access to functionality provided by the remotesystem by establishing and maintaining the connection channel with theremote system. In some contexts, a connection channel is established tofacilitate an authenticated session associated with the user throughtheir corresponding computing device. For example, the connectionchannel may be established upon authenticating user authenticationcredentials provided by the user to enable the remote system toassociate, based on the user authentication credentials, a user dataobject with the connection channel with that user data object. The sameuser may utilize an additional computing device to establish a secondconnection channel with the remote system and access functionalityprovided by the remote system via the second computing device. However,such connection channels are conventionally maintained separately, suchthat user changes made associated with one connection channel do notinfluence the other connection channel. Similarly, other users mayutilize their computing device(s) to establish one or more connectionchannel(s), each of which are independent and separate from otherconnection channels associated with the same user or other users. Inthis regard, the remote system may establish connection channel(s) withany number of user data object(s) via one or more computing device(s),and maintain such connection channel(s) such that it is independent ofchanges made in any of the remaining connection channel(s).

In some contexts, users utilize such connection channel(s) to access,manage, and/or otherwise perform one or more operation(s) associatedwith electronic data object(s) maintained by the remote system. One ormore of such electric data object(s) may be associated with and/orshared with a plurality of user data object(s), such that connectionchannel(s) corresponding to each of the user data object(s) associatedwith a particular shared electronic data object enable access to variousfunctionality to be performed by such users. For example, each user dataobject may utilize one or more connection channel(s) for the user dataobject to perform electronic authorization(s) associated with aparticular electronic document, communicate with other user(s), and/orthe like. Each of the connection channel(s) may be specially configuredto enable access to particular functionality, and/or more specifically aparticular portion of functionality, of which a particular user dataobject may require use.

In many contexts, one or more user(s) are consistently changing thechannels that the user utilizes for accessing such functionality. Insome example contexts, a user utilizes a particular computing device tobegin a connection channel for accessing such functionality. During suchaccess, the user often changes their connection channel between theuser's computing device (or computing devices of a particular user) andthe remote system. For example, a user may at one or more moments changecommunication networks utilized to access the remote computingdevice(s), such as by going from a wired connection to a wirelessconnection, changing to a different wireless communication network,and/or changing wireless communication mechanisms altogether (e.g.,changing from Wi-Fi to cellular network communications).

Conventional systems fail to handle such changes in communicationchannel in a way that maintains the desirable functionality and/or userexperience for the user or users associated with user data objectssimilarly associated with a particular shared electronic data object.For example, when user actions result in and/or cause a change in theconnection channel a particular user is utilizing for accessing theremote system, updates and/or actions performed via an earlierconnection channel are commonly lost in conventional systems.Additionally or alternatively, a user may change to a connection channelthat does not facilitate access to functionality that utilizesappropriate, recommended, and/or necessary capabilities of the computingdevice currently being utilized by the user.

Such inconsistencies in user experience, data corruption, and/orproblems with accessing desired functionality are further exacerbated incircumstances where a user's change in connection channel effectuates achange for one or more other users associated with user data object(s)corresponding to connection channel(s). For example, in some contexts, auser's connection channel change results in the inability of that userto utilize one or more device capabilities to perform an action withrespect to a shared electronic data object that is needed before one ormore other users may take further action(s) associated with that sharedelectronic data object. In one example context, for a particular sharedelectronic data object, an electronic authorization action may be soughtassociated with a particular user data object before further electronicauthorization actions from other user data object(s) are sought. In acircumstance where the user undergoes a connection channel change and nolonger can access certain functionality needed or recommended forproviding the electronic authorization action, it may be advantageous toalter functionality accessible to the other users (e.g., update theirconnection channels to enable these users to access functionality forperforming their electronic authorization actions before the otheruser). Alternatively or additionally, the connection channel change fora particular user may enable use of one or more particular devicecapabilities performable on a newly accessed device, and/or capabilitiesthat are shared across all user devices of user data object(s)associated with a particular shared electronic data object. By failingto provide user experience continuity and preferable functionalityaccess, conventional systems fail to provide a consistent and effectiveuser experience for an individual user. Similarly, by keeping theconnection channel for any particular one of a plurality of user dataobjects entirely independent without accounting for the effects ofconnection channel change(s) associated with one or more other user(s)similarly associated with a particular electronic data object,conventional systems fail to provide consistent and effective userexperiences for a plurality of users as they each interact with theremote system.

One example context of the technical difficulties resulting fromconventional management of connection channel(s) (or in some examples alack thereof) is in the context of digital transaction processing and/orfinancial application management via financial systems. In this examplecontext, a user may begin operations of a particular transaction (e.g.,a loan application, mortgage application, account opening application,or the like) via the financial system, then change their connectionchannel on the same device or to a new device. Due to the connectionchange, some conventional systems fail to persistently maintain theeffects of the user-performed operations, and thus the user may lose theeffects of their previously performed operations and need to repeat themvia the new connection channel. Alternatively, some conventional systemsutilize reference numbers or similar options that allow a user tomanually access the operations from where they left off, however thisrequires additional actions by the user.

In this example context, additional problems result in the context ofmulti-user connection management. For example, multiple users may bejointly performing one or more transactions such that each of the usersmust perform one or more specific operations to complete thetransaction. One specific example of a transaction is processing of aloan application on behalf of a company (e.g., by officers or members ofan LLC). The transaction may require the users perform variousoperations in a particular defined order, a random order, a sequentialorder, an order of states including one or more operations, or the like(e.g., stage one including an electronic signature by User A and anelectronic signature by User B, then stage two including processing byan associated financial institution, then stage three includingelectronic signature by User C). When a user changes their connectionchannel, it may thus be desirable to update one or more facets ofanother user's connection channel based on the change. For example, bychanging connection channel, the user may no longer be able to securelyperform operations associated with the transaction (e.g., securelytransmit electronic authorization(s), upload documents, or the like),and it may be desirable to enable the other users to perform one or moreoperations out of turn while waiting for the other user to return to asuitable connection channel for performing the next operation.Alternatively or additionally, by changing connection channel, the usermay no longer have access to one or more particular, required, orpreferable device capability and/or functionality required or preferredfor performing one or more operations of the transaction. In some suchcircumstances, it is desirable to update the functionality accessiblevia the connection channel(s) for the remaining user(s) (e.g., to matchthe functionality performable by the user that underwent the connectionchannel change). Alternatively or additionally, in some suchcircumstances it is desirable to update the connection channel(s) forthe remaining users in any of a myriad of manners based on theconnection channel change, for example to ensure that each user performsactions utilizing the same functionality and/or device capabilities,and/or to reorganize an order of operations to be performed. Asconventional systems often maintain connection channel(s) independently,both for a single user and for multiple users associated with a singleelectronic data object, transaction, process, and/or the like, suchconventional systems fail to provide this desirable consistency inmulti-user connection channel management. Conventional systems similarlyfail to provide the technical advantages resulting from such improvedmulti-user connection channel management, such as enabling a consistentuser experience, improving overall efficiency of transaction completion,and enabling consistent multi-user connection channel management withoutadditional user interactions.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to address eachand/or all of the problems arising out of the deficient technical natureof conventional systems. Indeed, the embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide various technical improvements in the technical fieldof multi-user communication channel management. In this regard,embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved user experienceconsistency as a user regardless of connection channel change(s)performed by the user. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of thepresent disclosure further provide improvements in managing multipleassociated connection channel(s), such as connection channel(s) for aplurality of user data objects each associated with a particular sharedelectronic data object. For example, as one or more connection channelchange(s) are detected for user data objects corresponding to associatedusers, embodiments update any number of connection channel(s) associatedwith other user data objects to ensure that such connection channel(s)provide access to proper functionality based on the connection channelchange. In one example context, for example, when a connection channelchange occurs for a user data object that results in newly availabledevice capability/capabilities recommended, preferred, and/or needed toutilize particular functionality provided by such embodiments withrespect to a shared electronic data object, and/or results in loss of anavailable device capability/capabilities recommended, preferred, and/orneeded to utilize particular functionality provided by such embodimentswith respect to the shared electronic data object, one or moreconnection channel(s) for other user data object(s) associated with theshared electronic data object is updated to ensure appropriatefunctionality and/or preferential functionality is accessible via suchconnection channel(s).

Embodiments of the present disclosure thus provide improvements tomaintaining connection channels associated with various user dataobject(s) and/or computing devices of such user data objects. In thisregard, such embodiments provide consistency in a particular user'sexperience across multiple communication channel's and/or computingdevices in a manner not achievable by conventional systems. Additionallyor alternatively, such embodiments provide improvements in the field ofmanaging connection channels for a plurality of users by at leastensuring access to appropriate functionality as each of the usersmaintains and/or changes their respective connection channel withoutrequiring any additional interaction by any of the other users. Byensuring appropriate functionality remains available to particular usersdespite changes in another user's connection channel, embodimentsprovide for a consistent and preferable user experience, and in somecircumstances are better optimized to allow for a particular set ofactions to continue to be performed despite changes in the connectionchannel(s) of one or more users associated with the set of actions. Forexample, should a first user change their connection channel and nolonger have access to functionality and/or a device capability requiredor preferred for performing a next step in a defined order of actions,at least some embodiments herein enable functionality such that otherusers may perform subsequent actions before the first user to maintain aconsistent workflow. In some such embodiments, as another improvement tomaintain an inherent level of security and/or procedural requirementsdue to the defined order of user actions to be performed, some suchembodiments may undo the effects of the actions taken out of turn at aparticular stage to void or otherwise rollback the actions taken out ofturn.

Definitions

In some embodiments, some of the operations above may be modified orfurther amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional optionaloperations may be included. Modifications, amplifications, or additionsto the operations above may be performed in any order and in anycombination.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the embodiments are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain examplecombinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated thatdifferent combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided byalternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elementsand/or functions than those explicitly describe herein are alsocontemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The terms “data,” “content,” “information,” “electronic information,”“signal,” “command,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably torefer to data capable of being transmitted, received, and/or stored inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of anysuch terms should not be taken to limit the spirit or scope ofembodiments of the present disclosure. Further, where a first computingdevice is described herein to receive data from a second computingdevice, it will be appreciated that the data may be received directlyfrom the second computing device or may be received indirectly via oneor more intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one ormore servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations,hosts, and/or the like, sometimes referred to herein as a “network.”Similarly, where a first computing device is described herein as sendingdata to a second computing device, it will be appreciated that the datamay be sent directly to the second computing device or may be sentindirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, such as, forexample, one or more servers, remote servers, cloud-based servers (e.g.,cloud utilities), relays, routers, network access points, base stations,hosts, and/or the like.

The terms “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context.Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.

The terms “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in someembodiments,” and the like generally refers to the fact that theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrasemay be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.Thus, the particular feature, structure, or characteristic may beincluded in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure such thatthese phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

The term “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

The terms “computer-readable medium” and “memory” refer tonon-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device ornon-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by acontroller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of acomputational system to encode thereon computer-executable instructionsor software programs. A non-transitory “computer-readable medium” may beaccessed by a computational system or a module of a computational systemto retrieve and/or execute the computer-executable instructions orsoftware programs encoded on the medium. Exemplary non-transitorycomputer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or moretypes of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example,one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one ormore USB flash drives), computer system memory or random access memory(such as, DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM), and the like.

The term “computing device” refers to any computer embodied in hardware,software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof. Non-limitingexamples of computing devices include a personal computer, a server, alaptop, a mobile device, a smartphone, a fixed terminal, a personaldigital assistant (“PDA”), a kiosk, a custom-hardware device, a wearabledevice, a smart home device, an Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) enableddevice, and a network-linked computing device.

The term “user” refers to any entity utilizing a computing device.Non-limiting examples of a user include a human operator, automaticexecuting software, and a business entity operating through one or moreagent(s).

The term “user data object” refers to electronically managed datarepresenting a use within a computing environment. In some embodiments,a user data object includes or embodies a user profile for a particularuser. In some embodiments, a user data object includes or embodies auser identifier that uniquely identifies a particular user within acomputing environment. In some embodiments, a user data object isassociated with user authentication credentials that enables a user toauthenticate themselves as associated with or otherwise having access tothe user data object and initiate an authenticated connection via aconnection channel with another computing device, server, or the like,from a computing device associated with the user (e.g., initiate asession with a server from the user's smartphone). By way of example, auser data object embodies or otherwise includes a natural personidentifier, a governmentally assigned identifier (e.g., a socialsecurity number), a universal identifier, and/or another identifier thatuniquely identifies a user within the scope of a particular system.

The term “device capability” refers to one or more software, hardware,and/or firmware driven functions for performance by a computing deviceutilizing the software, hardware, and/or firmware. Non-limiting examplesof device capability include accessing functionality provided by aparticular application, configuration for utilizing specializedcomponent functionality (e.g., voice commands requiring a microphone orother vocal-input mechanisms, facial recognition utilizing cameramodule(s) and/or other projection and/or image capture mechanisms,and/or the like), and/or inclusion of such specialized components. Insome example embodiments, a particular computing device is configuredfor performing any number of a myriad of device capabilities, and/or isnot configured for performing any number of any other of a myriad ofdevice capabilities.

The term “electronic security” refers to one or more configurationsand/or device capabilities associated with providing electronic datasecurity on a computing device and/or associated with networkcommunications directed to and/or from the computing device. In someembodiments, electronic security is provided by one or more physicalcomponents of a computing device. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, electronic security is provided by software-based and/orfirmware-based data security.

The term “level of electronic security” refers to anelectronically-based determination of the sufficiency of electronicsecurity for a certain computing device, which can be represented in anyof a myriad of quantitative and/or qualitative manners. In someembodiments, a level of electronic security is predetermined based ondevice type, the existence and/or configuration of one or more hardwarecomponent(s), the existence and/or configuration of one or more softwareapplication(s), the existence and/or configuration of one or morefirmware application(s), and/or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, a level of electronic security is represented bypredetermined discrete values (e.g., “insecure”/“moderatelysecure”/“highly secure” or “level 1” being least secure and “level 5”being most secure) or is represented by a numerical value on apredefined scale (e.g., 1 to 10 with 1 being least secure and 10 beingmost secure). In some example embodiments, a level of securityassociated with a particular computing device is variable based on amyriad of factors associated with the computing device-includinghardware of the computing device, software applications installed and/orexecuting on the computing device, configurations of one or moreapplications executing on the computing device, and/or any combinationthereof.

The term “level of computing power” refers to one or more indications ofthe computing resources made available to a computing device.Non-limiting examples of computing power include an amount of processingpower, an amount of memory storage space, and/or the like. In someembodiments, computing power available for use by a particular computingdevice is variable based on one or more factors. For example, in someexample embodiments, the computing power available to a computing devicevaries based on the hardware of the computing device, applicationsand/or operations executing via the hardware of the computing device,executing operations associated with other computing devices, and/or anycombination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, a computingdevice is bottlenecked by one or more types of computing power beingweaker than a second part of computing power (e.g., networking computingpower falling below processing computing power). In some examplecontexts, such bottlenecks and/or other limitations on portions ofavailable computing power occur either temporarily or permanently basedon hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof for aparticular computing device.

The term “level of network connectivity” refers to one or moreindications of a networking communication speed and/or qualityassociated with a computing device for receiving transmissions and/orsending transmissions over one or more communication network(s). In someexample embodiments, network connectivity available to a computingdevice is variable based on one or more factors. In some exampleembodiments, for example, network connectivity available to a particularcomputing device is variable based on the configuration of devicesdefining a communications network, the network architecture of acommunication network utilized by the computing device forcommunication, hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combinationthereof of the computing device itself, physical connectivity factors(e.g., distance between a computing device and a second computing devicefacilitating connection to a communications network, interferencebetween such computing devices, and the like), applications and/oroperations executing via the computing device, and/or other factorslocal to the computing device.

The term “communication network” refers to one or more device(s),tower(s), base station(s), and/or other computing devices associatedwith one or more entity/entities that enables transmission of databetween computing devices across space. Non-limiting examples of acommunication network include the Internet, private networks (e.g., alocal area connection), and a hybrid network. It should be appreciatedthat, in some embodiments, a communication network functions based onone or more communication protocols. Non-limiting examples of acommunication protocol include a Wi-Fi communications protocol, aBluetooth communication protocol, a Near-field communication protocol,another radio frequency communication profile, and/or the like.

The term “connection channel” refers to hardware, software, and/orfirmware components by which a user communicates with a particularcomputing device, such as a server. Non-limiting examples of acommunication channel include a particular secure session between afirst computing device and a second computing device over a particularcommunication network and/or subset thereof (e.g., a communicationsession between a user's computing device and a server computing deviceover a Wi-Fi network maintained by the user, or a communication sessionbetween a user's computing device and a server computing device over acellular network maintained by a third-party cellular service provider).

The term “connection channel change” refers to a change from oneconnection channel utilized by a user for accessing certainfunctionality provided by a computing device, such as a server computingdevice, to a second connection channel utilized by the user foraccessing the functionality provided by the computing device. Asdescribed herein, connection channel changes occur in any of a myriad ofmanners. In some embodiments, a connection channel change refers to achange from a first connection channel to a second connection channelassociated with the same computing device. In some embodiments, aconnection channel change refers to a change from a first connectionchannel associated with a first computing device to a second connectionchannel associated with a second computing device.

The term “shared electronic data object” refers to electronicallymanaged data that is associated with any number of user data objects. Insome contexts, one or more computing devices maintains a sharedelectronic data object such that the shared electronic data object isaccessible to the user data objects associated with the sharedelectronic data object. In some embodiments, for example, a sharedelectronic data object is generated and/or otherwise maintained foraccess and/or manipulation by one or more user(s) corresponding to theuser data object(s) associated with the shared electronic data object.Non-limiting examples of shared electronic data objects include dataobjects representing electronically-maintained documents, data records,and/or computing files.

The term “functionality” refers to, with respect to a shared electronicdata object, the access to the shared electronic data object by a userassociated with the shared electronic data object, and/or themanipulation(s) performed by the user associated with the sharedelectronic data object. In some embodiments, functionality is providedvia one or more user interface(s) rendered to or by a computing deviceunder control by a user via an application executed on and/or installedto the computing device, either alone or in conjunction with anassociated server computing device (e.g., providing backendfunctionality over a communication network). In some example contexts,the term “functionality” refers to the ability to initiate and/orotherwise perform one or more user-driven action(s) as defined hereinvia a computing device controlled by the user.

The term “alert” refers to electronically managed data indicatinginformation that may be rendered, via one or more correspondinginterface elements, to a display of a computing device associated with aparticular user data object.

The term “processing action” refers to one or more computer-implementedactions to be performed for successfully processing an electronic dataobject. In some embodiments, for example, a processing action updatesone or more values associated with the electronic data object and/orassociated data elements. In some embodiments, an electronic data objectis associated with a set of processing actions required to successfullyprocess the electronic data object. In some such embodiments, theprocessing actions are associated with a defined order, and/orpartitioned into stages of processing actions that may each be performedin parallel, simultaneously, and/or with a defined sub-order. In oneexample context, for example processing financial services applications,processing action(s) for an electronic data object are performed toreceive data submissions, provide necessary documentation for furtherprocessing, and/or processing subsequent processing of received datasuch as for completing a loan application, mortgage application, accountopening request, and/or the like. Non-limiting examples of a processingactions include a user-driven action, an automatically-driven systemaction, and/or a hybrid action including automatic and user-drivenportions.

The term “user-driven action” refers to one or more computer-implementedprocesses resulting from particular user input from a user associatedwith a particular user data object. Non-limiting examples of auser-driven action include, for example, providing electronic documentsignatures, authenticating one or more data object(s), and/or modifying(e.g., editing, creation, or deletion) of one or more data object(s)maintained by a computing device. In some embodiments, a user-drivenaction is associated with an action status that represents whether theuser-driven action has not been initiated, is in progress, and/or hasbeen completed, or other stages of completion.

The term “electronic authorization action” refers to a particularuser-drive action that provides electronic data from a computing deviceassociated with a user associated with authorization and/or approval ofan electronic data object. Non-limiting examples of an electronicauthorization action include one or more processes for receiving userinput indicating user authorization of a particular electronic document(e.g., an e-signature, or corresponding digital signature), receiving adrawn user input signature, and/or other actions performed by a userusing a computing device communicable over a connection to anothercomputing device (e.g., a server computing device) over a particularconnection channel.

The term “defined order” with respect to a set of user-driven actionsrefers to a determined flow, whether determined in real-time or at aprevious time, by which user-driven actions are to occur. In some suchexample contexts, functionality for performing one or more user-drivenactions is determinable based on the defined order and action statusesfor such user-driven actions. In some example embodiments, for example,functionality for performing certain user-driven actions is not madeavailable until one or more user-driven actions that are prerequisitesto such subsequent user-driven actions are associated with an actionstatus indicating that such prerequisite user-driven actions arecomplete.

Example System and System Operations

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that may bespecially configured within which embodiments of the present disclosuremay operate. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an example system 100. Theexample system 100 includes a plurality of computing devices, includinguser computing devices 104A-104N (collectively “user computing devices104”) and electronic data management system 102. Each of the usercomputing devices 104 is communicable at least with the electronic datamanagement system 102 over one or more communication networks. Forexample, as depicted, each of the user computing devices 104 iscommunicable with the electronic data management system 102 over a firstcommunication network 106. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, one or more of the user computing devices 104 arecommunicable with the electronic data management system 102 over anadditional communication network. For example, as depicted, the user Ncomputing device 104N is communicable with the electronic datamanagement system 102 over the communication network 110.

In at least one example context, each of the user computing devices 104embodies a computing device controlled by a particular user.Non-limiting examples of such user computing devices 104 include auser's mobile device (e.g., smartphone), tablet, personal computer,and/or the like. It should be appreciated that a particular user maycontrol and/or otherwise be associated with any number of user computingdevices. For example, as illustrated, user computing devices 104A and104B are each associated with User A. In an example context, usercomputing device 104A embodies a smartphone owned, operated, and/orotherwise controlled by the User A, and user computing device 104Bembodies a personal computer owned, operated, and/or otherwisecontrolled by the User A. In some example contexts, each of the usercomputing devices 104 is associated with any number of devicecapabilities. In this regard, in some embodiments, one or more of thecomputing devices 104 are configured to perform device capabilities thatone or more other user computing devices of the user computing devices104 is/are incapable of performing. In some contexts, one or morecomputing devices lack specialized and/or necessary hardware, software,firmware, and/or a combination thereof required for performing aparticular device capability. For example, in some embodiments, usercomputing device 104A embodying a user's smartphone includes and/or isotherwise associated a camera module and/or corresponding hardware(e.g., image sensor(s), optical lens(es), illumination generator(s), andthe like), firmware (e.g., for activating and/or otherwise controllingone or more image sensor(s), illumination generator(s), and/or thelike), and/or software (e.g., for reading out from the image sensor(s),for processing captured image data, and/or the like) for performingcamera capabilities such as image and/or video capture. The usercomputing device 104B embodying a user's personal computer may notinclude such a camera module, and thus be incapable of performing suchcapabilities. Various capabilities may be performable only by a portionof user devices, such as image capture capabilities, video capabilities,audio recording capabilities, teleconferencing capabilities,user-drawing capabilities, specialized peripheral capabilities, and/orthe like.

The electronic data management system 102 includes hardware, software,and/or firmware for providing functionality associated with any of anumber of electronic data objects, transaction processing operations,and/or the like. In some embodiments, the electronic data managementsystem 102 is embodied by one or more server(s) and/or one or moredatabase(s) configured to provide functionality to create, maintain,and/or otherwise process electronic data objects and/or associatedtransactions. In one example context, for example, the electronic datamanagement system 102 comprises one or more server(s) and/or one or moredatabase(s) associated with a financial institution that enables storageand/or associated maintenance of financial data objects (e.g., accounts,loan applications, mortgage applications, and/or the like), and/orenables performing operations associated with stored financial dataobjects. For example, in one such example context, the electronic datamanagement system 102 enables multiple users to access functionalityassociated with completing a particular electronic data object, such asa multi-user loan application that requires multiple user transactions,such as a plurality of user-submitted electronic authorizations, beforethe application is successfully processed. In some embodiments, theelectronic data management system 102 is remote from each of the usercomputing devices 104, and may be controlled by and/or otherwiseassociated with a different entity than those that control each of theuser computing devices 104 (e.g., a particular business, financialinstitution, and/or the like). It should be appreciated that in someother contexts, the electronic data management system 102 embodies anyother of a number of processing server(s) and/or database(s) thatprovides functionality for user by one or more users provisioned toaccess the electronic data management system 102.

In some embodiments, a computing device communicates with one or moreother computing devices via a connection channel established with theother computing device(s). In some such embodiments, a computing deviceestablishes a connection channel by performing an authentication processwith the other computing device with which the connection channel is tobe established. For example, in at least one example context, acomputing device desiring to establish a connection channel with anelectronic data management system 102, or other computing device,provides and/or otherwise communicates user authentication credentialsto the electronic data management system 102 so that such userauthentication credentials may be utilized to authenticate the userand/or associate the computing device accessed by the user with aparticular user data object provisioned via the electronic datamanagement system 102. Additionally or alternatively, in otherembodiments, a computing device establishes a connection channel withanother computing device without authentication, such as simply byrequesting such a connection channel be established through a requesttransmission to the other computing device. Additionally oralternatively still, in yet other embodiments, one or more connectionchannel(s) are configured such that no additional user action isrequired to establish the connection channel.

In some contexts, an electronic data management system 102 (or othercomputing device) maintains a plurality of connection channels, eachassociated with a remote computing device communicable with theelectronic data management system 102. As illustrated, for example, usercomputing device 104A is communicable with the electronic datamanagement system 102 via the connection channel 108A, user computingdevice 104B is communicable with the electronic data management system102 via the connection channel 108B, user computing device 104C iscommunicable with the electronic data management system 102 via theconnection channel 108C, and user N computing device 104N iscommunicable with the electronic data management system 102 via theconnection channel 108D. In some embodiments, each of the users (User A,User B, User N, and the like) are each provisioned for accessing certainfunctionality associated with the electronic data management system 102.For example, in some embodiments, the electronic data management system102 maintains user data objects that are associated with and/orotherwise represent each of the users. Upon establishing a connectionchannel with a particular user computing device, in some embodiments theelectronic data management system 102 associates the connection channelwith the user data object for the corresponding user. As describedherein, the corresponding user data object may be identified in any of amyriad of manners, such as based on validated user authentication data,based on identifying that the user computing device is linked to aparticular user data object (e.g., based on IP, IMEI, and/or any otheridentifier that uniquely identifies a computing device), and/or thelike.

In some embodiments, a user initiates and/or otherwise establishes aconnection channel with the electronic data management system 102 byauthenticating the user's identity with the electronic data managementsystem 102. In some embodiments, the user utilizes their user computingdevice to submit user authentication credentials to the electronic datamanagement system 102. The electronic data management system 102attempts to authenticate the submitted user authentication credentialsas associated with a particular user data object, for example bycomparing the submitted user authentication credentials with stored userauthentication credentials associated with the various user data objectsprovisioned for accessing the electronic data management system 102 todetermine whether there is a match. In a circumstance where theelectronic data management system 102 successful authenticates theuser's identity as associated with a particular user data object, theelectronic data management system 102 establishes a connection channelfor facilitating communication between the user computing device forthat user and the electronic data management system 102. In some suchembodiments, the connection channel is established associated with thecorresponding authenticated user data object for use in determiningaccessible functionality, identifying electronic data objects stored bythe electronic data management system 102 that are accessible to theauthenticated user data object, and/or for any of a myriad of relatedfunctions for interacting with the electronic data management system102. In this regard, in some embodiments, each connection channel ismaintained associated with a particular user data object and aparticular computing device.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of theuser computing devices 104 may undergo a change to a new connectionchannel utilized to communicate with the electronic data managementsystem 102. For example, as illustrated, in some embodiments the usercomputing device 104N optionally changes their communication channel toa second connection channel 108E accessible via the user computingdevice 104N. As described herein, the connection channel change from theconnection channel 108D to the connection channel 108E may result fromany of a myriad of actions related to hardware, software, and/orfirmware of or associated with the user computing device 104N. Forexample, in some embodiments, the connection channel change for usercomputing device 104N occurs and/or is detectable by the electronic datamanagement system 102 in response to a change in the communicationnetwork accessed by the user computing device 104N and/or mechanismutilized to access said communication network via the user computingdevice 104N. One example context includes a circumstance where the usercomputing device 104N changes from a wired network connection to awireless network connection, or changes from a first wireless networkmechanism (e.g., Wi-Fi) to a second wireless network mechanism (e.g.,cellular networking services). As illustrated for example, the firstconnection channel 108D enables communication with the electronic datamanagement system 102 via a first communication network 106, such as auser's wireless network configured to provide access to the Internet,and the second connection channel 108E enables communication with theelectronic data management system 102 via a second communication network110, such as one or more cellular communication towers providing accessto the Internet. In other contexts, a connection channel change resultsfrom termination of the first connection channel due to any of a myriadof software-driven actions, such as initiation of the second connectionchannel 108E (and/or termination of the first connection channel 108D),restarting one or more processes on the user computing device 104N,and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the electronic data management system 102 onlymaintains at most one connection channel associated with each user dataobject. In this regard, should User A for example utilize both usercomputing devices 104A and 104B, only one of the connection channels108A or 108B is actively maintained at a particular time. It should beappreciated that the active connection channel may be determined and/ormaintained based on any of a number of configurations, for example basedon the most recently-initiated connection channel, based on thefirst-initiated connection channel, based on a preference hierarchybetween the user computing device 104A and user computing device 104B(e.g., set by the electronic data management system 102 and/or by User Aassociated with the user computing devices 104A and 104B), and/or thelike. In other embodiments, the electronic data management system 102maintains any number of connection channel(s) for a particular user dataobject, which may establish a connection with any number of usercomputing devices associated with that user data object.

In some embodiments, each connection channel enables communicationbetween the user computing devices 104 and the electronic datamanagement system 102 through one or more communication network. Forexample, as illustrated, example communication networks includecommunication network 106 and communication network 110. In someembodiments, each communication channel includes any number ofintermediary devices embodied in hardware, software, firmware, and/orany combination thereof. Such communication network(s) may each beconfigured to operate utilizing any of a myriad of networking protocols.For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the communicationsnetwork 106 and/or communication network 110 include hardware, software,and/or firmware that enables communication via a Bluetooth communicationconnection, near-field communication connection, Wi-Fi communicationconnection, a radio frequency communication connection, a cellularcommunication connection, and/or the like, between a user computingdevice and the electronic data management system 102. In someembodiments, one or more of the communication network(s) 108 and 110includes one or more base stations, relays, cell towers, intermediaryprocessing servers and/or domain hosts, and/or associated connectionwires and/or other associated physical connections. In some suchcontexts, the communication network includes one or more user-controlleddevices facilitating access network to the communication network. Forexample, in some embodiments, the communication network 110 and/orcommunication network 106 includes a router, modem, relay, and/or otheruser-controlled network access device that facilitates access to aparticular public, private, and/or hybrid network.

In some contexts, a connection change is initiated and/or otherwisedetected when a user computing device changes communication network. Forexample, in an instance where a user changes their device over from awired Internet connection to a wireless Internet connection, from aWi-Fi Internet connection to a cellular Internet connection, and/or thelike, a new connection channel may be established either automaticallyor in response to manual user actions (e.g., a subsequent user-initiatedrequest submitted to the electronic data management system 102). In someembodiments where the electronic data management system 102 associateseach user data object with a particular user data object, the electronicdata management system 102 may update the connection channel associatedwith each user data object as such connection channel changes occur andare detected by the electronic data management system 102 to ensure thatthe connection channel associated with a particular user data objectremains up to date.

Each of the user computing devices 104 may utilize the connectionchannel established with the electronic data management system 102 toaccess particular functionality provided by the electronic datamanagement system 102. In some embodiments, for example, suchfunctionality includes creating a new electronic data object to beassociated with at least the user data object associated with the userdata object for the corresponding connection channel, access toelectronic data objects stored by the electronic data management system102 that are also associated with the user data object for thecorresponding connection channel, and/or functionality associated withprocessing the electronic data object. In some embodiments, for examplewhere the electronic data management system 102 maintains sharedelectronic data objects associated with a plurality of user dataobjects, each of the user data objects may have access to differentfunctionality associated with processing a shared electronic dataobject. As described herein, the accessible functionality for aparticular user data object may be updated as the connection channelchanges for one or more other users associated with the sharedelectronic data object.

In one example context, a particular shared electronic data object isassociated with a specific set of processing actions in a defined order.The defined order may indicate the particular processing actions requireperformance in a particular order, a particular set of stages (e.g.,where processing actions within a particular stage may be done insimultaneously, in a random order, at any time, or have a particularsub-order), and/or the like, such that accessible functionality isdependent on the status of other processing actions to be performed. Insome such embodiments, the electronic data management system 102determines the statuses of various processing actions to be performedassociated with a particular shared electronic data object (e.g., bypolling a persistent data storage embodied by and/or otherwisemaintained by the electronic data management system 102), and enablesaccess to particular functionality based on the determined statuses ofthe various processing actions. For example, if processing a particularshared electronic data object is defined by a particular defined orderhaving two steps requiring processing actions by User A and User B in afirst step, then a processing action by User C in a second step, andUser A has completed their processing action but User B has not, theelectronic data management system 102 configures each of the connectionchannels associated with user data objects for Users A, B, and C suchthat User B can perform the required processing action, and Users A andC do not have functionality for performing any such steps as noprocessing actions are required from them at this time.

In some embodiments, the electronic data management system 102 updatesone or more of the connection channel(s) for a particular user inresponse to processing actions performed by another user via anotherconnection channel and/or connection channel change(s) by other userdata object(s) associated with a shared electronic data object. As auser performs one or more processing actions, in some embodiments, thefunctionality accessible to the corresponding user data object and/oranother user data object is updated to enable subsequent processingactions to occur. For example, in some embodiments, once a usercompletes the processing actions required for a particular step, theconnection channel(s) are updated to enable functionality for performingsubsequent processing actions of a next step. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, the electronic data object managementsystem updates one or more connection channel(s) in response toconnection channel change(s) associated with other user data objects, asdescribed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 102 detects a connection channel change for a firstuser data object associated with a shared electronic data object anddetermines, based on the connection channel change, that connectionchannel(s) associated with one or more other user data objects similarlyassociated with the shared electronic data object should be updated toaccess different functionality. For example, in one example context, aconnection channel change indicates that a particular user has changedto a computing device that does not have particular device capabilitiesrequired or preferred for performing a processing action required in acurrent set of processing actions in a defined order.

In some embodiments, in response the electronic data management system102 updates the connection channel(s) for other user data object(s) togrant access to functionality for subsequent processing actions in thedefined order, such that the user device's lack of particular devicecapabilities does not impede the processing of the shared electronicdata object. In this regard, the electronic data management system 102manages the connection channel(s) for user data objects similarlyassociated with a particular shared electronic data object in a mannerthat allows for a particular processing action to be temporarily skippedand other processing actions to occur out of turn. In some suchembodiments, the electronic data management system 102 retains theresults of the subsequently performed processing actions in acircumstance where the skipped processing action is completed, furtherin some embodiments within particular defined parameters (e.g., within aparticular time limit, and/or the like). In some such embodiments still,in a circumstance where the skipped processing action is not completedwithin the defined parameters, the processing actions performed out ofturn are rolled back such that they may be performed again via theelectronic data management system 102. In yet other embodiments, inresponse to a connection channel change associated with a particularuser data object corresponding to a shared electronic data object, theelectronic data management system 102 updates the connection channel(s)for other user data object(s) to provide access to functionalityassociated with device capabilities that may be performed by eachcomputing device for each user data object corresponding to the sharedelectronic data object. In this regard and as described herein, itshould be appreciated that some embodiments maintain connectionchannel(s) in a manner such that connection channel(s) associated withmaintaining a particular shared electronic data object are updated forimproved efficiency in processing the shared electronic data objectand/or for utilizing appropriate functionality.

Example Apparatuses of the Disclosure

The methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products of thepresent disclosure may be embodied by any variety of devices. Forexample, a method, apparatus, system, and computer program product of anexample embodiment may be embodied by a fixed computing device, such asa personal computer, computing server, computing workstation, or acombination thereof. Further, an example embodiment may be embodied byany of a variety of mobile terminals, mobile telephones, smartphones,laptop computers, tablet computers, or any combination of theaforementioned devices.

In at least one example embodiment, the electronic data objectmanagement system 102 is embodied by one or more computing systems, suchas the apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. 2 . The apparatus 200 may includea processor, memory 204, input/output circuitry 206, communicationscircuitry 208, electronic data management circuitry 210, and/or channelconnection management circuitry 210. Although the components aredescribed with respect to functional limitations, it should beunderstood that the particular implementations necessarily include theuse of particular hardware. It should also be understood that certain ofthe components described herein may include similar or common hardware.For example, two sets of circuitry may both leverage use of the sameprocessor, network interface, storage medium, or the like to performtheir associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not requiredfor each set of circuitry. The use of the term “circuitry” as usedherein with respect to components of the apparatus 200 should thereforebe understood to include particular hardware configured to perform thefunctions associated with the particular set of circuitry as describedherein.

Additionally or alternatively, the term “circuitry” should be understoodbroadly to include hardware and, in some embodiments, software and/orfirmware for configuring the hardware. For example, in some embodiments,“circuitry” may include processing circuitry, storage media, networkinterfaces, input/output devices, and the like. In some embodiments,other elements of the apparatus 200 may provide or supplement thefunctionality of the particular circuitry. For example, the processor202 may provide processing functionality, the memory 204 may providestorage functionality, the communications circuitry 208 may providenetwork interface functionality, and the like, to one or more of theother sets of circuitry.

In some embodiments, the processor 202 (and/or co-processor or any otherprocessing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with theprocessor) may be in communication with the memory 204 via a bus forpassing information among components of the apparatus. The memory 204may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatileand/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memorymay be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storagemedium). The memory 204 may be configured to store information, data,content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling theapparatus 200 to carry out various functions in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for example,the memory 204 embodies one or more databases for storing user dataobjects, electronic data objects, and/or other data associatedtherewith, and/or otherwise is configured to maintain such data objectsfor accessing and/or updating as described herein.

The processor 202 may be embodied in any one of a myriad of ways andmay, for example, include one or more processing devices configured toperform independently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202may include one or more processors configured in tandem via a bus toenable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/ormultithreading. The use of the terms “processor,” “processing module,”and “processing circuitry” may be understood to include a single-coreprocessor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to theapparatus, other central processing unit (“CPU”), microprocessor,integrated circuit, and/or remote or “cloud” processors.

In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to executecomputer-coded instructions stored in the memory 204 or otherwiseaccessible to the processor. Alternatively, or additionally, theprocessor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. Assuch, whether configured by hardware or software means, or by acombination thereof, the processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g.,physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operationsaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configuredaccordingly. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor isembodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions mayspecifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and/oroperations described herein when the instructions are executed.

As one example context, the processor 202 is configured to providefunctionality associated with accessing and/or processing electronicdata object(s) maintained by the apparatus 200. In some suchembodiments, such functionality includes generating new electronic dataobject(s), storing electronic data object(s), updating electronic dataobject(s), updating action status values(s) associated with processingaction(s) to be performed for one or more electronic data object(s),performing processing actions associated with one or more electronicdata object(s), and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the processor 202 is configured to provide functionalityassociated with maintaining one or more channel connection(s). In somesuch embodiments, such functionality includes authenticating a user,initiating a new connection channel, associating a connection channelwith a user data object, detecting connection channel change(s), and/orupdating one or more connection channel(s). In some such embodiments,the processor 202 is configured for performing one or more of theoperations of the computer-implemented processes described herein.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may include input/outputcircuitry 206 that may, in turn, be in communication with processor 202to provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive anindication of a user input. The input/output circuitry 206 may compriseone or more user interfaces, and may include a display to which userinterface(s) may be rendered. In some embodiments, the input/outputcircuitry 206 may comprise a web user interface, a mobile application, adesktop application, a linked or networked client device, and/or thelike. In some embodiments, the input/output circuitry 206 may alsoinclude a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas,soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. Insome such embodiments, the input/output mechanisms are configured toenable a user to provide data representing one or more userinteraction(s) for processing by the apparatus 200. The processor and/oruser interface circuitry comprising the processor, for example processor202, may be configured to control one or more functions of one or moreuser interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g.,software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor(e.g., memory 204, and/or the like).

The communications circuitry 208 may be any means such as a device orcircuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware andsoftware that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to anetwork and/or any other device, circuitry, or module in communicationwith the apparatus 200. In this regard, the communications circuitry 208may include, for example, at least a network interface for enablingcommunications with a wired or wireless communications network. Forexample, the communications circuitry 208 may include one or morenetwork interface cards, antennas, buses, switches, routers, modems, andsupporting hardware and/or software, or any other device suitable forenabling communications via a network. Additionally or alternatively,the communication interface may include the circuitry for interactingwith the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s)or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s).

The electronic data management circuitry 210 includes hardware,software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, configured to supportelectronic data object management functionality associated with theelectronic data management system 102. The electronic data managementcircuitry 210 may utilize processing circuitry, such as the processor202, to perform one or more of these actions. In some embodiments, theelectronic data management circuitry 210 includes hardware, software,firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to generate and/or store newelectronic data object(s). Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the electronic data management circuitry 210 includeshardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to performone or more processing actions associated with an electronic dataobject. Non-limiting examples of a processing action include performingan electronic authorization action(s) associated with one or more userdata object(s). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, theelectronic data management circuitry 210 includes hardware, software,firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to identify specificfunctionality accessible by one or more connection channel(s) forparticular user data object(s), and/or provide access to such specificfunctionality. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, theelectronic data management circuitry 210 includes hardware, software,firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to maintain and/or update one ormore database(s) including user data object(s), electronic dataobject(s), and/or the like in response to user interaction via one ormore connection channel(s). It should be appreciated that, in someembodiments, the electronic data management circuitry 210 may include aseparate processor, specially configured field programmable gate array(FPGA), or a specially configured application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC).

The channel connection management circuitry 212 includes hardware,software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, configured to supportconnection channel management functionality associated with theelectronic data management system 102. In some embodiments, the channelconnection management circuitry 210 may utilize processing circuitry,such as the processor 202, to perform one or more of these actions. Insome embodiments, the channel connection management circuitry 212includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, toestablish a connection channel associated with a particular user dataobject and/or computing device. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the channel connection management circuitry 212 includeshardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to detectconnection channel change(s) associated with a particular user dataobject. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the channelconnection management circuitry 212 includes hardware, software,firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to update one or more connectionchannel(s). For example, in some embodiments, the channel connectionmanagement circuitry 212 includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or acombination thereof, to update one or more connection channel(s) inresponse to a detected connection channel change. It should beappreciated that, in some embodiments, the channel connection managementcircuitry 212 may include a separate processor, specially configuredfield programmable gate array (FPGA), or a specially configuredapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In some embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned sets of circuitryare combined to form a single set of circuitry. The single combined setof circuitry may be configured to perform some or all of thefunctionality described herein with respect to the individual sets ofcircuitry. For example, in at least one embodiment, the electronic datamanagement circuitry 210 and the channel connection management circuitry212 may be embodied by a single set of circuitry, and/or one or more ofthe electronic data management circuitry 210 and/or the channelconnection management circuitry 212 may be combined with the processor202. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more ofthe sets of circuitry described herein may be configured to perform oneor more of the actions described with respect to one or more of theother sets of circuitry.

In at least one example embodiment, a user computing device, such as oneof the user computing devices 104 is embodied by one or more computingsystems, such as the apparatus 300 as shown in FIG. 3 . The apparatus300 may include a processor 302, memory 304, input/output circuitry 306,communications circuitry 308, specialized device capabilities circuitry310, and/or the user management circuitry 312. Each of the similarlynamed components 302-308, in some embodiments, function in a mannersimilar to that described herein with respect to the similarly namedcomponents in FIG. 2 .

The specialized device capabilities circuitry 310 includes hardware,software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, configured to supportidentifying and/or performing one or more device capabilities of a usercomputing device, such as one of the user computing devices 104. In thisregard, in some embodiments the specialized device capabilitiescircuitry 310 includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or acombination thereof, to perform specific functionality including imagecapture and/or processing, specific user input methodologies (e.g., userdrawing and/or handwriting), audio capture and/or processing, and/or thelike. In some such embodiments, one or more device capabilities isprovided at least in part by specific hardware that enables input ofspecific data, for example a microphone for capturing audio input dataand/or a camera for capturing image and/or video input data. Othernon-limiting examples include a touch-based interface that enableshand-written user input (e.g., a user's signature). Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the specialized device capabilitiescircuitry 310 includes particular software (e.g., executable codeinstructions and/or applications) that enable such device capabilities.For example, in some embodiments, a particular application program isutilized for receiving user input (e.g., audio, video, image,handwriting, or other input), and/or processing such input. In yet otherembodiments still, the specialized device capabilities circuitry 310includes particular application(s) installed to and/or otherwiseexecutable by the apparatus 300, and which may not be executable byother computing devices. Additionally or alternatively still, in yetsome other embodiments, the specialized device capabilities circuitry310 includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof,to determine a list of device capabilities performable by the apparatus300, and/or determine whether a particular device capability isperformable by the apparatus 300. It should be appreciated that, in someembodiments, the specialized device capabilities circuitry 310 mayinclude a separate processor, specially configured field programmablegate array (FPGA), or a specially configured application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC).

The user management circuitry 312 includes hardware, software, firmware,and/or a combination thereof, configured to support functionality forinteraction with an electronic data management system, such as theelectronic data management system 102, by a user computing device, suchas one of the user computing devices 104. In this regard, in someembodiments the specialized device capabilities circuitry 310 includeshardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof, to establisha connection channel with the electronic data management system toaccess functionality provided by the electronic data management system.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the user managementcircuitry 312 includes software, hardware, firmware, and/or acombination thereof, to execute an application (e.g., a web-based ornative application) provided by the electronic data management systemfor accessing such functionality. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the user management circuitry 312 includes software,hardware, firmware, and/or a combination thereof to enable a channelconnection change from a first connection channel to a second connectionchannel associated with the apparatus 300. For example, in someembodiments, the user management circuitry 312 includes hardware,software, firmware, and/or the like to establish a connection channelwith an electronic data management system associated with processing ashared electronic data object and/or a particular user data object.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the user managementcircuitry 312 includes hardware software, firmware, and/or the like, toreceive an indication of a connection channel change and/or user inputdata and/or changes to device configurations associated therewith.Alternatively or additionally still, in some embodiments, the usermanagement circuitry 312 includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or acombination thereof, to initiate a connection channel change on a singlecomputing device, and/or initiate a connection channel change from afirst computing device to a second computing device. Additionally oralternatively still, in some embodiments, the user management circuitry312 includes hardware, software, firmware, and/or a combination thereof,to cause rendering of one or more user interface(s) comprising variousinterface element(s) providing access to functionality via theelectronic data management system, and/or updating one or more userinterfaces to include updated interface element(s) to provide access toupdated functionality via the electronic data management system,alert(s) indicating various determinations and/or statuses of access tofunctionality and/or the connection channel, and/or the like. It shouldbe appreciated that, in some embodiments, the user management circuitry312 may include a separate processor, specially configured fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), or a specially configuredapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In some embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned sets of circuitryare combined to form a single set of circuitry. The single combined setof circuitry may be configured to perform some or all of thefunctionality described herein with respect to the individual sets ofcircuitry. For example, in at least one embodiment, the specializeddevice capabilities circuitry 310 and the user management circuitry 312may be embodied by a single set of circuitry, and/or one or more of thespecialized device capabilities circuitry 310 and/or the user managementcircuitry 312 may be combined with the processor 302. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the sets of circuitrydescribed herein may be configured to perform one or more of the actionsdescribed with respect to one or more of the other sets of circuitry.

Example Data Flow of the Disclosure

FIG. 4 illustrates a data flow diagram depicting operations of anexample system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4 depicts operations of anexample data flow 400 for multi-user connection channel managementincluding various operations performed by an electronic data managementsystem 452 in communication with various user computing devices. Suchcomputing devices include a first computing device 454A and a secondcomputing device 454B both associated with a user data objectrepresenting User A. Such computing devices further include a computingdevice 456 associated with a user data object representing User B. Suchcomputing devices further include a computing device 458 associated witha user data object representing User C. In some embodiments, theelectronic data management system 452 is embodied by one or moredevices, such as the apparatus 200 that utilizes one or more of thecomponents 202-212 for performing each of the operations describedherein with respect to the electronic data management system 452.Similarly, in some embodiments, each of the computing devices 454A,454B, 456 and 458 is embodied by one or more devices, such as theapparatus 300 that utilizes one or more of the components 302-312 forperforming each of the operations described herein with respect to therespective user computing devices 454A, 454B, 456, and/or 458.

It should be appreciated that, while the operations are depicted anddescribed in a particular order, the operations as depicted anddescribed may be performed in any of a number of orders in the mannerdescribed. In this regard, one or more operations depicted and describedafter a second operation may be performed before the second operation inanother embodiment. In this regard, the particular order of theoperations depicted and described should be understood not to limit thescope and spirit of this disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, insome embodiments, one or more operations may not be performed, and/ormay be performed in sub-operations as described herein. For example andwithout limitation, one or more optional operations are depictedutilizing dashed (or “broken”) lines herein. It should be appreciatedthat, in some embodiments, one or more optional operations areperformed, whereas in other embodiments, no optional operations areperformed. In some embodiments, all optional operations as depicted anddescribed are performed.

At operation 402, the User A computing device 454A establishes aconnection channel with the electronic data management system 452. Insome embodiments, the User A computing device 454A establishes theconnection channel through transmitting a specially configured requestand/or particular information to the electronic data management system452. In some embodiments, the User A computing device 454A provides anatural person identifier, device identifier, and/or other uniqueidentifier that may be utilized for identifying a corresponding userdata object. In other embodiments, the User A computing device 454Aprovides user authentication credentials and/or other data utilized forperforming one or more authentication process(es). Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the electronic data managementsystem 452 processes the received information and/or utilizes thereceived information for establishing the connection channel. Forexample, in one or more embodiments, the electronic data managementsystem 452 identifies a user data object to associate with a connectionchannel being newly established, such as based on received informationidentifying the computing device 454A and/or the associated user.

In some embodiments, establishing the connection channel includesauthenticating the user of the computing device 454A. In some suchembodiments, the User A provides user authentication credentials via thecomputing device 454A, which the electronic data management system 452receives for processing. In some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 processes the received user authenticationcredentials to identify a corresponding user data object provisioned foraccessing the electronic data management system 452. If such a user dataobject is identified, the electronic data management system 452 mayproceed with establishing the connection channel with the computingdevice 454A. In other contexts, where the electronic data managementsystem 452 cannot successfully authenticate the user authenticationcredentials, the electronic data management system 452 may reject theconnection and/or otherwise indicate to the computing device 454A that aconnection channel has not been established, and/or to try differentuser authentication credentials and/or a different authenticationmethodology. Once a connection channel is established, the computingdevice 454A may communicate with the electronic data management system452 via the connection channel to access functionality accessible to theidentified user data object and provided by the electronic datamanagement system 452. For example, as described herein, User A mayutilize the computing device 454A and established connection channel toutilize functionality associated with accessing electronic dataobject(s), performing processing action(s), and/or otherwise managingelectronic data object(s) as described herein.

At optional operation 404, the computing device 454A requests to createan electronic data object and/or to access an electronic data objectmaintained by the electronic data management system 452. In someembodiments, for example, at optional operation 404 the computing device454A transmits a request to create a new electronic data object. Itshould be appreciated that, as described herein, the computing device454A transmits one or more requests to the electronic data managementsystem 452 via the established connection channel for creating theelectronic data object. In some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system provides one or more user interfaces to enable a userto submit the request to create a new electronic data object, and/orinformation to be included in or otherwise associated with the newlycreated electronic data object.

In some such embodiments, the electronic data management system 452creates the electronic data object at operation 406. In some suchembodiments, the electronic data management system 452 generates the newelectronic data object and stores it. For example, in some embodiments,the electronic data management system 452 automatically stores theelectronic data object associated the electronic data object with theuser data object for the established connection channel. In this regard,the user data object may be utilized to retrieve the user data object ata later time. In some embodiments, such as where the electronic dataobject created embodies a shared electronic data object, the user maysimilarly associate the electronic data object with one or more otheruser data objects, such as those user data objects representing usersthat are to perform one or more processing actions associated with theelectronic data object.

In other embodiments, at operation 406, the computing device 454Arequests, via the established connection channel, to access an existingelectronic data object. In some such embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 may identify a set of electronic data objectscorresponding to a particular user data object, such as the user dataobject for the established connection channel. In some embodiments, theelectronic data management system 452 queries one or more databases toretrieve existing electronic data object(s) associated with a particularuser data object. In some such embodiments, the identified electronicdata objects includes those created by and/or otherwise associated with(e.g., in an instance where the electronic data object is a sharedelectronic data object created or otherwise originated by another user)the user data object for the established connection channel.

At optional operation 408, the electronic data management system 452provide the computing device 454A access to functionality for managingthe created and/or retrieved electronic data objects. For example, insome embodiments, the electronic data management system 452 providesresponse information including the retrieved and/or created electronicdata objects for rendering via the computing device 454A. In some suchembodiments, the computing device 454A renders at least a portion of theelectronic data object(s) via the user interface(s) and/or userinterface elements configured for managing one or more of suchelectronic data object(s). It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the user interface(s) are rendered via a native applicationexecuting on the computing device 454A and/or a web application accessedvia the computing device 454A (e.g., via a browser application executedon the computing device 454A). For example, in some embodiments, one ormore of the electronic data object(s) is/are rendered together withcorresponding functionality for performing one or more processing actionassociated with the electronic data object. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the electronic data object isrendered together with one or more interface elements for reviewing aportion of the electronic data object, submitting electronic documentsrequired for further processing the electronic data object, and/orotherwise updating the electronic data object via the electronic datamanagement system 452. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the electronic data object is rendered together with one ormore interface elements for associating the electronic data object withone or more other user data objects as a shared electronic data object.In some embodiments, the electronic data management system 452 providesaccess to specific functionality based on one or more devicecapabilities performable by the user A computing device 454A, one ormore device capabilities determined as incapable of performance by theuser A computing device 454A, and/or other detected aspects associatedwith the user A computing device 454A (e.g., a level of electronicsecurity, computing power, network connectivity, and/or other aspectsassociated with the performance of the user A computing device 454A).For example, in some example circumstances, the electronic managementsystem 452 provides access to functionality for inputting image and/orvideo data utilizing camera capabilities when such device capabilitiesare detected as performable by the user A computing device 454A, andaccess to alternative input methods (e.g., file uploading) is providedupon detection that the user A computing device 454A is incapable ofsuch camera capabilities. In some other embodiments, in a circumstancewhere the electronic data management system 452 determines that thenetwork connectivity, computing power, and/or level of electronicsecurity is insufficient for access to particular functionality (e.g.,functionality requiring a high level of security), the electronicmanagement system 452 may not provide access to such functionality,and/or provide information to the user indicating they must make changesto their computing device and/or connection channel to access suchfunctionality.

Utilizing the functionality accessible to the user, the user maycontinue to interact with the computing device 454A to perform variousadditional operations (not depicted), such as initiating functionalityprovided by the electronic data management system 402 to update theelectronic data object and/or otherwise perform processing actionsassociated with the electronic data object. In some embodiments, and inthe context of a shared electronic data object for example, the user mayperform one or more processing actions for a current stage of processingthe shared electronic data object. It should be appreciated that, insome embodiments as described herein, the current stage of processingfor the shared electronic data object and/or the action status foraction process(es) to be performed by one or more other users affectsthe available functionality to a particular user. For example, in acircumstance where the processing actions are associated with a definedorder, the User A may not have access to particular functionality untila certain stage of processing is reached, and/or may receive updatedaccess to such functionality in response to one or more detectedconnection channel changes as described herein.

At operation 410, the user B computing device 456 establishes aconnection channel with the electronic data management system 452. Itshould be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the user B computingdevice 456 establishes the connection channel in a similar manner tothat described herein with respect to operation 402. For example, insome embodiments, the user B computing device 456 transmits a speciallyconfigured request and/or particular information to the electronic datamanagement system 452 to establish the connection. channel. In someembodiments, the user B computing device 456 provides a second naturalperson identifier associated with User B, a device identifier associatedwith the user B computing device 456, and/or another unique identifierthat may be utilized for identifying a corresponding user data object.In other embodiments, the user B computing device 456 provides userauthentication credentials and/or other data, for example stored by theuser B computing device 456 or received via user interaction with thedevice, utilized for performing one or more authentication process(es).In some such embodiments, the electronic data management system 452identifies another user data object to associate with a secondconnection channel newly being established, and associates the user dataobject with the second connection channel newly established. It shouldbe appreciated that in some embodiments, in a manner similar to thatdescribed herein with respect to operation 402, the electronic datamanagement system 452 performs one or more authentication process(es) toidentify a user data object and/or determine whether a connectionchannel may be successfully established.

In some embodiments, various users utilize their individual connectionchannel(s) to access functionality associated with a particular sharedelectronic data object for user data objects representing each of suchusers. For example, User A may access first functionality associatedwith a particular shared electronic data object, and User B may accesssecond functionality associated with the same shared electronic dataobject. In some such embodiments, the electronic data management system452 links and/or otherwise associates the connection channels associatedwith the shared electronic data object and/or user data object(s)associated with the shared electronic data object. In this regard, theelectronic data management system 452 maintains the associatedconnection channel(s) and/or user data object(s) such that detectedconnection channel change(s) associated with one or more user dataobject(s) are usable to update one or more associated communicationchannel and/or another connection channel(s) for an associated user dataobject.

It should be appreciated that any number of connection channels may beinitiated associated with any number of user data object(s). Similarly,any number of connection channels may be linked, for example asassociated with a particular shared electronic data object. In thisregard, as illustrated, at operation 412, the user C computing device458 establishes a connection channel with the electronic data managementsystem 452. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the userC computing device 458 establishes the connection channel in a similarmanner to that described herein with respect to operation 402 andoperation 410. For example, in some embodiments, the user C computingdevice 458 transmits a specially configured request and/or particularinformation to the electronic data management system 452 to establishthe new connection channel. In some embodiments, the user C computingdevice 458 provides a third natural person identifier associated withUser C, a device identifier associated with the user C computing device458, and/or another unique identifier that may be utilized foridentifying a corresponding user data object. In other embodiments, theuser C computing device 458 provides user authentication credentialsand/or other data, for example stored by the user C computing device 458or received via user interaction with the device, utilized forperforming one or more authentication process(es). In some suchembodiments, the electronic data management system 452 identifiesanother user data object to associate with a second connection channelnewly being established, and associates the user data object with thesecond connection channel newly established. It should be appreciatedthat in some embodiments, in a manner similar to that described hereinwith respect to operation 402 and/or operation 410, the electronic datamanagement system 452 performs one or more authentication process(es) toidentify a user data object and/or determine whether a connectionchannel may be successfully established.

As described herein, one or more user data object(s) are associated witha connection channel change that results in updates to one or moreassociated connection channel(s). Such connection channel change(s) mayresult from any of a myriad of actions. In some embodiments, forexample, a connection channel change is detected by the electronic datamanagement system 402 in response to disconnection from, or othertermination of, a particular connection channel. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, a connection channel change isdetected by the electronic data management system 452 in response toestablishing a new connection channel via the same computing device (forexample, as described with respect to optional operation 414).Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a connection channelchange is detected by the electronic data management system 452 inresponse to establishing a new connection channel via another computingdevice associated with the same user data object. In other embodiments,an electronic data management system 452 detects a connection channelchange in response to any other change to a connection channel,termination of a connection channel, and/or newly established connectionchannel associated with a user data object.

At optional operation 414, the user A computing device 454A establishesa new connection channel on the same user A computing device 454A. Insome embodiments, upon establishing the new connection channel with theuser A computing device 454A, the electronic data management system 452disconnects the previously established connection channel (e.g.,established at operation 402), such that the previously establishedconnection channel can no longer be used to access functionalityprovided by the electronic management system 452. In some embodiments,the new connection channel is requested in response to a change incommunication mechanism and/or communication network by the user Acomputing device 454A. For example, in some embodiments, the connectionchannel change results in response to activation of cellular networkingservices on the user A computing device 454A and/or disconnection from aWi-Fi connection utilized to establish the previous connection channelat operation 402. In other embodiments, the connection channel changeresults in response to changing from a wired network connection on theuser A computing device 454A to a wireless network connection. It shouldbe appreciated that, as described herein, any of a myriad ofhardware-driven, software-drive, and/or firmware-driven actions mayresult in a connection channel change. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the electronic data management system 452 detects aconnection channel change by determining that a user data object isattempting to establish a new connection channel when an existingconnection channel is already maintained and/or was recently (e.g.,within a determinable time interval) maintained by the electronic datamanagement system 452. In some such embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 initiates one or more processes for updating oneor more other connection channel(s), for example as described hereinwith respect to operations 420 and/or 422.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 detects a connection channel change in response toa change in user computing device utilized to establish a connectionchannel for a particular user data object. In this regard, at optionaloperation 416, the user A computing device 454B establishes a connectionchannel with the electronic data management system 452. It should beappreciated that, in some embodiments, the user A computing device 454Bestablishes the connection channel in a similar manner to that describedherein with respect to operation 402, operation 410, and/or operation412. For example, in some embodiments, the user A computing device 454Btransmits a specially configured request and/or particular informationto the electronic data management system 452 to establish the connectionchannel. In some embodiments, the user A computing device 454A providesthe same natural person identifier associated with User A, a deviceidentifier associated with the user A computing device 454A, and/oranother unique identifier that may be utilized for identifying acorresponding user data object. In establishing the connection channelwith the user A computing device 454B, the electronic data managementsystem 452 detects that User A has changed from the user A computingdevice 454A to the user A computing device 454B. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the electronic data managementsystem 452 determines pertinent information about the computing devicewith which the new connection channel is being established. For example,based on information received from the user A computing device 454B,previously stored associated with the user data object representing UserA and/or the user A computing device 454B, and/or the like, theelectronic data management system 452 may determine one or more devicecapabilities (or lack of device capabilities) associated with the user Acomputing device 454B. In other embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 determines a level of electronic security,computing power, network connectivity, and/or other aspects associatedwith the performance of the user A computing device 454B and/orconnection channel between the electronic data management system 452 andthe user computing device 454B. In some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 performs one or more of such determinations basedon information received from the user A computing device 454B togetherwith or supplemental to the request to establish the connection channel(e.g., metadata associated with the communication network with which theuser A computing device 454B is connected, and/or the like).

At operation 418, the electronic data management system 452 provides theuser A computing device 454B access to particular functionality formanaging electronic data object(s) associated with the user data objectwith which the connection channel was established. In some embodiments,the electronic data management system 452 retrieves accessibleelectronic data objects in a manner similar to that described hereinwith respect to operation 406 herein. In this regard, in someembodiments, the electronic data management system 452 provides accessto functionality associated with managing the shared electronic dataobject associated with the user data objects for User A, User B, andUser C and similarly accessible via the connection channel associatedwith user B computing device 456 and connection channel associated withthe user C computing device 458. In some embodiments, the electronicdata management system 452 provides access to updated functionality ascompared to that accessible via the user A computing device 454A. Forexample, in some embodiments, the electronic management system 452provides the user A computing device 454B access to functionality thatenables use of the device capabilities performable via the user Acomputing device 454B. In this regard, it should be appreciated that theconnection channel associated with the user A computing device 454B mayaccess updated functionality from that associated with the user Acomputing device 454A, such that the various device capabilities of eachcomputing device are utilized in providing access to particularfunctionality.

In response to detecting one or more connection changes, for example ona single computing device as described herein with respect to operation414 and/or from a first computing device to a second computing device asdescribed with respect to operations 416 and 418, in some embodimentsthe electronic data management system 452 initiates updating thefunctionality associated with the shared electronic data object for atleast one or more additional connection channel(s). At operation 420,for example, the electronic data management system 452 updates theconnection channel associated with the user B computing device 456 basedon the detected connection change, such as those described herein withrespect to operations 414 and 416, such as to update the functionalityaccessible by the user B computing device 456. In some embodiments, forexample, the electronic data management system 452 updates theconnection channel associated with the user computing device 456 toenable access to functionality based on the connection channel change.For example, in a circumstance where the detected connection channelchange indicates the user computing device associated with User A isinsufficiently secured and/or otherwise cannot perform functionalityassociated with a current step in a set of processing actions of adefined order, the connection channel may be updated such thatfunctionality for performing subsequent processing actions is availableout of turn. Alternatively or additionally, in a circumstance where thedetected channel change indicates that User A has changed to a secondcomputing device that is capable of performing a first set of devicecapabilities and/or is incapable of performing a second set of devicecapabilities, the connection channel is updated to provide access tofunctionality that utilizes the first set of device capabilities. Inthis regard, in some such embodiments, the connection channel is updatedto ensure that one or more processing actions are performed utilizingthe same one or more device capabilities, a predetermined set of devicecapabilities, and/or device capabilities available via the computingdevice(s) associated with each user data object.

It should be appreciated that, as described herein, any number ofconnection channels associated with any number of user data objects maybe updated in response to detecting a connection channel change. Forexample, as illustrated at operation 422, the electronic data managementsystem 452 updates the connection channel associated with the user Ccomputing device 458 based on the detected connection change, such asthose described herein with respect to operations 414 and 416, such asto update the functionality accessible by the user C computing device458. In some embodiments, the electronic data management system 452updates the connection channel for the user C computing device 458 inthe same manner as the connection channel associated with the user Bcomputing device 456 as described herein with respect to operation 420.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system 452 updates the functionality accessible via thecommunication channel associated with the user C computing device 458 toa separate set of functionality. For example, in an example contextwhere a next step and/or stage in a set of processing actions in adefined order is to be performed by the user data object associated withUser C and no action is required by the user data object associated withUser B, the electronic data management system 452 in some embodimentsgrants the connection channel for the user C computing device 458 accessto functionality for performing the next step when the connectionchannel change indicates a user (e.g., User A) cannot utilize theircurrent connection channel for completing a current processing action,step, and/or stage. In some such contexts, such functionality is notmade accessible to the user B computing device 456 as User B is notrequired to perform such functionality.

In this regard, the depicted and described data flow enables improvedmulti-user connection channel management in any of a myriad of ways.Some such embodiments provide such improvements by associatingconnection channels and/or user data objects associated with aparticular shared electronic data object such that connection channelchanges detected for a particular connection channel and/or user dataobject may be utilized to update the connection channel and/or availablefunctionality for another user data object. For example, in someembodiments, as connection channel change(s) occur, one or moreembodiments update other connection channel(s) to ensure that accessiblefunctionality enables use of the same device capability and/orparticular device capabilities performable by each computing device.Alternatively or additionally, some such embodiments improve efficiencyassociated with processing an electronic data object, such as byaltering one or more other connection channel(s) to enable access tofunctionality utilized for subsequent processing action(s) to occur outof turn. Such improvements in efficiency and user experience areconventionally not provided due to the independent nature of connectionchannel(s) in conventional contexts.

Example Electronic Data Object Management System Processes of theDisclosure

Having described example systems, apparatuses, and data flows associatedwith embodiments of the present disclosure, example flowcharts includingvarious operations performed by the apparatuses and/or systems describedherein will now be discussed. It should be appreciated that each of theflowcharts depicts an example computer-implemented process that may beperformed by one or more of the apparatuses, systems, and/or devicesdescribed herein, for example utilizing one or more of the componentsthereof. The blocks indicating operations of each process may bearranged in any of a number of ways, as depicted and described herein.In some such embodiments, one or more blocks of any of the processesdescribed herein occur in-between one or more blocks of another process,before one or more blocks of another process, and/or otherwise operatesas a sun-process of a second process. Additionally or alternative, anyof the processes may include some or all of the steps described and/ordepicted, including one or more optional operational blocks in someembodiments. In regards to the below flowcharts, one or more of thedepicted blocks may be optional in some, or all, embodiments of thedisclosure. Optional blocks are depicted with broken (or “dashed”)lines. Similarly, it should be appreciated that one or more of theoperations of each flowchart may be combinable, replaceable, and/orotherwise altered as described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart including operations of an exampleprocess for connection channel management in accordance with at leastone example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5depicts an example process 500 for improved multi-user connectionchannel management. In some embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess 500 is embodied by computer program code stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium of a computer program productconfigured for execution to perform the computer-implemented method.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the example process500 may be performed by one or more specially configured computingdevices, such as the electronic object management system 102 embodied bythe specially configured apparatus 200. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 200 is specially configured by computerprogram instructions stored thereon, for example in the memory 204and/or another component depicted and/or described herein, and/orotherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, for performing the operationsas depicted and described with respect to the example process 500. Insome embodiments, the specially configured apparatus 200 includes and/orotherwise is in communication with one or more external apparatuses,systems, devices, and/or the like, to perform one or more of theoperations as depicted and described. For example, the apparatus 200 mayinclude and/or communicate with one or more external user computingdevices, for example each embodied by the specially configured apparatus300.

The process 500 begins at operation 502. At operation 502, the apparatus200 includes means, such as the input/output circuitry 206,communications circuitry 208, electronic data management circuitry 210,channel connection management circuitry 212, processor 202, and/or thelike, to establish a plurality of connection channels associated with aplurality of user data objects. In some such embodiments, eachconnection channel enables access to functionality associated with ashared electronic data object via one of a plurality of computingdevices. For example, in some embodiments, each user data object isassociated with a connection channel that links a corresponding usercomputing device with the apparatus 200.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 establishes a connection channelwith each computing device in response to one or more transmissionsreceived from the computing device. For example, in some embodiments,the computing device transmits a request to establish the connectionchannel to the apparatus 200, which the apparatus 200 processes toestablish the connection channel. In some such embodiments, thetransmission from the computing device (e.g., a request) includes datato be utilized in identifying a user data object for associating withthe newly established connection channel. For example, in someembodiments the request includes a device identifier, natural personidentifier, and/or other data associated with a particular user dataobject. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, thetransmission includes user authentication credentials, and the apparatus200 performs one or more authentication processes to authenticate theuser authentication credentials as associated with a user data objectand/or identify the user data object corresponding to the userauthentication credentials based on the user authentication credentials.Upon authenticating and/or otherwise identifying a user data objectassociated with a transmission, in some such embodiments the apparatus200 establishes a new connection channel with the computing device thatoriginated the transmission and associates the newly created connectionchannel with the user data object.

In some embodiments, a transmission from a computing device to establisha connection channel additionally or alternatively includes dataindicating aspects of a computing device originating the transmission.For example, in some embodiments, the transmission includes a deviceidentifier and/or a data value representing a device type that may beutilized by the apparatus 200 to determine aspects of the computingdevice, such as performable device capabilities, a level of security,computing power, and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the transmission includes metadata and/or other datarepresenting the type of communication network over which the computingdevice is communicating, which in some embodiments is utilized by theapparatus 200 to determine a corresponding network connectivityassociated with the computing device, a value from the computing devicerepresenting current network connectivity for the computing device,and/or the like. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, theapparatus 200 determines one or more aspects of the computing device atthe time of establishing one or more connection channel or at any timeafter this establishment by transmitting one or more requests forinformation to the computing device and/or processing the response datareceived therefrom. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200requests information from the computing device regarding installedand/or executing applications and utilizes the response data todetermine a level of security associated with the computing device,requests information from the computing device regarding hardware and/orexecuting computer processes and utilizes the response data to determinecomputing power associated with the computing device, requestsinformation regarding device capabilities, peripheral status, and/orother specific module statuses and utilizes the response data todetermine device capabilities of the computing device, and/or the like.

At operation 504, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect, for a first user dataobject of the plurality of user data objects, a connection channelchange associated with a first connection channel corresponding to afirst computing device. For example, in one example context, theconnection channel change represents a change in the connection channelassociated with the first user data object from a first connectionchannel to a second connection channel. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 200 is configured to maintain a singleconnection channel associated with each user data object, for example toprevent duplicate actions and/or inconsistent updates across one or moreconnection channels. In some embodiments, for example, the connectionchannel change is detected in response to one or more user interactionsoccurring on the first computing device, as described herein. In otherembodiments, the connection channel change is detected in response touser interaction with a second computing device associated with thefirst user data object. Non-limiting examples of connection changes aredescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 6, 9A, and 9B as describedherein.

At operation 506, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to update the functionalityassociated with the shared electronic data object for at least one ofthe plurality of connection channels based on the detected connectionchannel change. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 updates the atleast one connection channel such that the updated connection channel isenabled to access particular functionality based on the detectedconnection channel change. For example, in some embodiments, theapparatus 200 updates a connection channel associated with the firstuser data object such that the accessible functionality is updated toreflect accessible functionality current aspects of the computing deviceassociated with the connection channel, such as by enabling or disablingaccess to functionality based on the current computing power, networkconnectivity, and/or level of security associated with a computingdevice. In this regard, in some such embodiments, in the context where aconnection channel change results in increased or decreased availablecomputing power, network connectivity, and/or level of securityassociated with the computing device corresponding to the connectionchannel, the available functionality provided to the user via thecomputing device may be updated accordingly. In one particular context,for example, if a connection channel change indicates a change from afirst, more secure communication network (e.g., the user's passwordprotected home Wi-Fi network) to a second communication network (e.g., apublic Wi-Fi network), the accessible functionality may be updated toremove access to functionality requiring high levels of device security.Additionally or alternatively in some embodiments, the apparatus 200updates a connection channel associated with the first user data objectsuch that the accessible functionality is based on the devicecapabilities for a newly connected computing device. Alternatively oradditionally still, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 updatesfunctionality for a connection channel associated with a second userdata object and/or another user data object, for example in acircumstance where the connection channel change indicates theassociated user data object cannot (or is not enabled to) accessfunctionality for completing a current processing action such that thenewly enabled functionality allows another user to perform one or moreother processing actions out of turn in a set of processing actionsassociated with a defined order. Non-limiting examples of updating thefunctionality associated with the shared electronic data object for atleast one of the plurality of connection channels based on the detectedconnection channel change are described herein with respect to FIGS. 6,7 , and/or 8.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 depictsan example process 600 for updating the functionality associated with ashared electronic data object for at least one of a plurality ofconnection channels based on a detected connection channel change. Insome embodiments, the computer-implemented process 600 is embodied bycomputer program code stored on a non-transitory computer-readablemedium of a computer program product configured for execution to performthe computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, in someembodiments, the example process 600 may be performed by one or morespecially configured computing devices, such as the electronic objectmanagement system 102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 isspecially configured by computer program instructions stored thereon,for example in the memory 204 and/or another component depicted and/ordescribed herein, and/or otherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, forperforming the operations as depicted and described with respect to theexample process 600. In some embodiments, the specially configuredapparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is in communication with one ormore external apparatuses, systems, devices, and/or the like, to performone or more of the operations as depicted and described. For example,the apparatus 200 may include and/or communicate with one or moreexternal user computing devices, for example each embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300.

The process 600 begins at operation 602. In some embodiments, theprocess 600 begins after one or more operations of another process, suchas the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 600 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 600.

At operation 602, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect the connection channelchange from the first connection channel associated with the firstcomputing device of the first user data object to a second connectionchannel associated with a second computing device of the first user dataobject. In some embodiments, the connection channel change to the secondconnection channel associated with the second computing device isdetected by receiving, from the second computing device, a request toestablish the second connection channel associated with the first userdata object. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 detects theconnection channel change in response to determining that such arequest, or other transmission, was received while an ongoing firstconnection channel was established with the first computing device ofthe first user data object. In other embodiments, the apparatus 200detects the connection channel change upon successfully authenticatinguser authentication credentials received from the second computingdevice and associated with the first data object corresponding to anongoing first connection channel.

At operation 604, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect the second computingdevice is incapable of performing a first device capability. In someembodiments, the apparatus 200 detects device capabilities performableby the second computing device based on information received from thesecond computing device. For example, in one or more embodiments, theapparatus 200 receives information indicating the device type of thesecond computing device, and determines the device capabilities of thesecond computing device based on known device capabilities associatedwith the device type. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 maymaintain and/or otherwise have access to stored data that associates oneor more device type(s) with corresponding device capabilities for suchdevice type(s). In other embodiments, the apparatus 200 receivesinformation embodying the various device capabilities performable by thesecond computing device from the second computing device, for example aspart of a request to establish the second connection channel and/or inan additional transmission transmitted to the apparatus 200. In yetother embodiments still, the apparatus 200 requests a status associatedwith one or more device capabilities from the second computing device,for example by transmitting a request for such information and receivingresponse information indicating whether the second computing device iscapable of performing each of the one or more device capabilities. Insome such embodiments, the apparatus determines a computing device isincapable of performing the first device capability in a circumstancewhere the received and/or otherwise determined information associatedwith the second computing device does not include information indicatingthe second computing device is capable of performing the first devicecapability.

In some embodiments, the first device capability is determined withrespect to a current level of functioning for one or more aspects of thefirst computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the firstdevice capability refers to a current level of security associated withthe first computing device, a current level of network connectivityassociated with the first computing device, a current level of computingpower associated with the first computing device, and/or the like. Suchaspects of the first computing device may be variable, such that thevalue of these aspects change as the computing device continues tooperate in various states. For example, in at least one example context,as more application programs are executed on the second computing devicethe current level of computing power available for the second computingdevice decreases. Similarly, in at least another example context, as thenetwork strength weakens between the second computing device and anetwork access point facilitating access to a communication networkutilized by the second computing device (e.g., due to distance betweenthe second computing device and the network access point), the level ofnetworking connectivity available for the second computing devicedecreases. Similarly, in at least another example context, as the secondcomputing device connects to certain communication networks (e.g.,public networks) as opposed to more secure networks and/or executesprocesses that are unidentified or otherwise determined to be insecure,the level of device security associated with the second computing devicedecreases. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 receives one ormore of the values for aspects of the second computing device as part ofor additional to a transmission from the second computing device. Inother embodiments, the apparatus 200 requests such values from thesecond computing device, and/or information associated therewith toderive one or more of such values from the requested information. Forexample, in some embodiments the apparatus 200 requests metadata and/orinformation regarding the communication network with which the secondcomputing device is connected and processes such metadata and/orinformation to determine a current level of networking connectivityand/or current level of device security associated with the secondcomputing device. In some such contexts, the apparatus 200 determineswhether a current level of computing power, current level of networkingconnectivity, and/or current level of device security are each above acorresponding threshold limit to determine the second computing deviceis capable of performing a first device capability, and in some contextsdetermines the second computing device is incapable otherwise (e.g., ina circumstance where the current level is below a correspondingthreshold).

At optional operation 606, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect the second computingdevice is capable of performing a second device capability. In some suchembodiments, the apparatus 200 detects the second computing device iscapable of performing a second device capability in a similar manner tothat described with respect to detecting a first device capability thecomputing device is incapable of performing. For example, in someembodiments, the apparatus 200 detects the second device capability iswithin a set of detected device capabilities associated with the secondcomputing device, as described above with respect to operation 604. Inan example context where a list of device capabilities is determined forthe second computing device, for example, the apparatus 200 in someembodiments detects the second device capability by searching the listto determine present in the list and thus is capable of being performed.

At operation 608, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to update the functionalityassociated with the shared electronic data object for the secondconnection channel to enable use of a second device capability that thesecond computing device is capable of performing. In some embodiments,the apparatus 200 provides access to functionality that utilizes thesecond device capability for completing a particular processing action.In some embodiments, such as where the second device capability thesecond computing device is capable of performing is determined atoperation 606, the apparatus 200 provides access to functionality thatutilizes the second device capability. In one example context, forexample where the apparatus 200 detects the second computing device isnot capable of using a camera module but is capable of file upload, theapparatus 200 enables access to functionality to upload an image filefor processing. In other contexts, for example where the apparatus 200detects the second computing device is capable of image capture (e.g.,using a camera module), the apparatus 200 enables access tofunctionality to capture an image file for processing utilizing thecamera module associated with the second computing device.

In some embodiments, such as where the apparatus 200 fails to identifyany second device capability that is usable for performing a particularprocessing action, the apparatus 200 may provide access to functionalitythat merely informs the user of a preferred or required devicecapability for performing a particular processing action. For example,as described herein, in some embodiments the apparatus 200 provides analert informing the user of such preferred and/or necessary devicecapabilities. Non-limiting examples of such alerts are described hereinwith respect to FIG. 7 .

By updating the functionality associated with the shared electronic dataobject for the second connection channel to enable use of a seconddevice capability that the second computing device is capable ofperforming, such embodiments manage connection channels in an improvedmanner so as to ensure that functionality accessible to a particularcomputing device utilizes the capabilities of the computing device. Inthis regard, updating functionality accessible via a connection channelbased on usable device capabilities improves the user experience byensuring consistently usable functionality is accessible. Additionallyor alternatively, updating functionality accessible via a connectionchannel based on usable device capabilities improves overall processingefficiency associated with processing the shared electronic data objectby providing access to functionality optimized for utilizing devicecapabilities actually performable by the second computing device, asopposed to other device capabilities not performable by the secondcomputing device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 depictsan example process 700 for updating the functionality associated with ashared electronic data object for at least one of a plurality ofconnection channels based on a detected connection channel change. Insome embodiments, the computer-implemented process 700 is embodied bycomputer program code stored on a non-transitory computer-readablemedium of a computer program product configured for execution to performthe computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, in someembodiments, the example process 700 may be performed by one or morespecially configured computing devices, such as the electronic objectmanagement system 102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 isspecially configured by computer program instructions stored thereon,for example in the memory 204 and/or another component depicted and/ordescribed herein, and/or otherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, forperforming the operations as depicted and described with respect to theexample process 600. In some embodiments, the specially configuredapparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is in communication with one ormore external apparatuses, systems, devices, and/or the like, to performone or more of the operations as depicted and described. For example,the apparatus 200 may include and/or communicate with one or moreexternal user computing devices, for example each embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300.

The process 700 begins at operation 702. In some embodiments, theprocess 700 begins after one or more operations of another process, suchas the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 700 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 700.

At operation 702, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect the second computingdevice is incapable of performing a first device capability. Forexample, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 detects devicecapabilities performable by the second computing device based oninformation received from the second computing device. For example, inone or more embodiments, the apparatus 200 receives informationindicating the device type of the second computing device, anddetermines the device capabilities of the second computing device basedon known device capabilities associated with the device type. In somesuch embodiments, the apparatus 200 may maintain and/or otherwise haveaccess to stored data that associates one or more device type(s) withcorresponding device capabilities for such device type(s). In otherembodiments, the apparatus 200 receives information embodying thevarious device capabilities performable by the second computing devicefrom the second computing device, for example as part of a request toestablish the second connection channel and/or in an additionaltransmission transmitted to the apparatus 200. In yet other embodimentsstill, the apparatus 200 requests a status associated with one or moredevice capabilities from the second computing device, for example bytransmitting a request for such information and receiving responseinformation indicating whether the second computing device is capable ofperforming each of the one or more device capabilities. In some suchembodiments, the apparatus determines a computing device is incapable ofperforming the first device capability in a circumstance where thereceived and/or otherwise determined information associated with thesecond computing device does not include information indicating thesecond computing device is capable of performing the first devicecapability.

In some embodiments, the first device capability is determined withrespect to a current level of functioning for one or more aspects of thefirst computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the firstdevice capability refers to a current level of security associated withthe first computing device, a current level of network connectivityassociated with the first computing device, a current level of computingpower associated with the first computing device, and/or the like. Suchaspects of the first computing device may be variable, such that thevalue of these aspects change as the computing device continues tooperate in various states. For example, in at least one example context,as more application programs are executed on the second computing devicethe current level of computing power available for the second computingdevice decreases. Similarly, in at least another example context, as thenetwork strength weakens between the second computing device and anetwork access point facilitating access to a communication networkutilized by the second computing device (e.g., due to distance betweenthe second computing device and the network access point), the level ofnetworking connectivity available for the second computing devicedecreases. Similarly, in at least another example context, as the secondcomputing device connects to certain communication networks (e.g.,public networks) as opposed to more secure networks and/or executesprocesses that are unidentified or otherwise determined to be insecure,the level of device security associated with the second computing devicedecreases. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 receives one ormore of the values for aspects of the second computing device as part ofor additional to a transmission from the second computing device. Inother embodiments, the apparatus 200 requests such values from thesecond computing device, and/or information associated therewith toderive one or more of such values from the requested information. Forexample, in some embodiments the apparatus 200 requests metadata and/orinformation regarding the communication network with which the secondcomputing device is connected and processes such metadata and/orinformation to determine a current level of networking connectivityand/or current level of device security associated with the secondcomputing device. In some such contexts, the apparatus 200 determineswhether a current level of computing power, current level of networkingconnectivity, and/or current level of device security are each above acorresponding threshold limit to determine the second computing deviceis capable of performing a first device capability, and in some contextsdetermines the second computing device is incapable otherwise (e.g., ina circumstance where the current level is below a correspondingthreshold).

At operation 704, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to generate an alert comprisingdata indicating the first device capability is preferred or required. Inthis regard, the first device capability may be preferred or requiredfor performing a processing action at the current stage of processingassociated with the shared electronic data object. For example, in someembodiments, the device capability is utilized to securely provideinformation required for further processing the shared electronic dataobject, submitting an electronic user authorization, and/or the like.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the device capabilityis indicated as preferred or required for submitting data of aparticular type (e.g., captured image data) for a current step ofprocessing action in processing the shared electronic data object. Inone example context, the alert indicates that a camera module isrequired for a current processing action that involves taking a pictureof a user identification document for use in validating the identity ofthe user (e.g., a driver's license, social security card, and/or thelike) as part of processing a particular shared electronic data object(e.g., a loan application on behalf of a company). In some embodiments,for example, the apparatus 200 generates the alert as a transmission tothe second computing device, where the transmission includes informationindicating the first device capability is preferred or required forrendering via one or more user interfaces. In other embodiments, theapparatus 200 generates the interface element indicating the firstdevice capability is preferred or required for rendering to a userinterface via the second computing device.

At operation 706, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to cause rendering of the alert todisplay associated with the second computing device. In someembodiments, the apparatus 200 transmits the alert to the secondcomputing device to cause rendering via the display. In someembodiments, the apparatus 200 transmits the alert embodying datautilized to configured a user interface generated by, predetermined by,and/or otherwise configured by the second computing device. In otherembodiments, the apparatus 200 transmits the alert embodying one or moreinterface elements for rendering to the display of the second computingdevice within a rendered user interface.

In some such embodiments, functionality is not made accessible to theuser in a circumstance where the user's computing device is notassociated with suitable device capabilities for utilizing thefunctionality in the desired manner. For example, in this regard,functionality may be inaccessible in an instance where the usercomputing device's level of security is insufficient to ensure thatreceived data is trustworthy, the computing device's connection with acommunication network is not stable, and/or another determination ismade such that providing functionality would diminish processingexpediency and/or decrease overall data security associated withprocessing the shared electronic data object. In this regard, byproviding the alert as described herein, embodiments maintain suchprocessing expediency without comprising data security in processing theshared electronic data object. The alert further improves the userexperience by enabling the user of the second computing device toutilize such information to determine steps that could enable access tosuch functionality. Such improvements may be provided in combinationwith the other improvements described herein, with respect to enablingaccess to functionality in other connection channels for performing oneor more processing actions out of turn to further improve the expediencyof processing the shared electronic data object.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 8 depicts an example process 800 for updating the functionalityassociated with a shared electronic data object for at least one of aplurality of connection channels based on a detected connection channelchange. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented process 800 isembodied by computer program code stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of a computer program product configured forexecution to perform the computer-implemented method. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, the example process 800 may beperformed by one or more specially configured computing devices, such asthe electronic object management system 102 embodied by the speciallyconfigured apparatus 200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, theapparatus 200 is specially configured by computer program instructionsstored thereon, for example in the memory 204 and/or another componentdepicted and/or described herein, and/or otherwise accessible to theapparatus 200, for performing the operations as depicted and describedwith respect to the example process 800. In some embodiments, thespecially configured apparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is incommunication with one or more external apparatuses, systems, devices,and/or the like, to perform one or more of the operations as depictedand described. For example, the apparatus 200 may include and/orcommunicate with one or more external user computing devices, forexample each embodied by the specially configured apparatus 300.

The process 800 begins at operation 802. In some embodiments, theprocess 800 begins after one or more operations of another process, suchas the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 800 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 800.

At operation 802, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine a set of user-drivenactions to be performed in a defined order associated with the pluralityof user data objects. In some such embodiments, the set of user-drivenactions comprises a first user-driven action associated with a firstuser data object and a second user-driven action associated with asecond user data object of a plurality of user data objects. Theplurality of user data objects may represent each user data objectassociated with a particular shared electronic data object, for example.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the defined orderindicates the first user-driven action is to be performed before thesecond user-driven action. In this regard, the set of user-drivenactions may define a particular set of processing actions to beperformed to complete processing of the shared electronic data object.In some such embodiments, the set of user-driven actions is defined intoa plurality of stages, each stage comprising one or more user-drivenactions that are to be performed before beginning user-driven actions ofa next stage.

It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, a shared electronicdata object is associated with any number of user-driven actions and/orstages of user-driven actions. In some embodiments, the set ofuser-driven actions to be performed for processing a particular sharedelectronic data object, and/or the stages representing a defined orderfor performing such user-driven actions, is determinable and/orpredetermined based on the type of electronic data object. For example,in one example context, an electronic loan application processed by asystem of a financial institution is determined to require processing ofa first set of user-driven actions, and an account request applicationprocessed by a system of a financial institution is determined torequire processing of a second set of user-driven actions. In some suchembodiments, the set of user-driven actions is organized into a set ofstages, such that the order of the stages and user-driven actions ateach stage represents the defined order for processing the electronicdata object.

At operation 804, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to enable access, in response todetecting the connection channel change, to the second user-drivenaction via a second connection channel associated with a secondcomputing device of the plurality of computing devices before completionof the first user-driven action. For example, in some such embodiments,the apparatus 200 enables access to such functionality where theconnection channel change indicates a user is utilizing a computingdevice that is incapable of performing the device capabilities requiredfor a user-driven action at a current stage, and/or wherein thenon-performed user-driven action is preventing progression to anotherstage of processing the shared electronic data object. In this regard,in some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 updates the functionalityaccessible by the second connection channel such that the accessiblefunctionality enables performance of a user-driven action at the nextstage of processing the shared electronic data object. For example, inan example context where a first stage requires electronic authorizationactions associated with User A and User B before proceeding to a secondstage requiring an electronic authorization action by User C, and User Bhas completed the electronic authorization action and a connectionchannel change was detected with respect to User A indicating the usercomputing device associated with User A is incapable of performing theelectronic authorization action via the established connection channel,the apparatus 200 updates the connection channel associated with User Cto enable access to functionality associated with performing theelectronic authorization action required at the second stage out of turn(e.g., before the electronic authorization action is performed by UserA).

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 is configured to revert one ormore processing actions performed out of turn, as described herein, inresponse to one or more determinations. For example, in someembodiments, upon performance of a processing action out of turn, theapparatus 200 begins a timer within which the skipped processingaction(s) must be completed. Continuing the example context above, in acircumstance where User A's electronic authorization action is skippedand User C performs an electronic authorization out of turn, theapparatus 200 may revert the electronic authorization action of User Cin a circumstance where User A does not complete their electronicauthorization within 24 hours (or another determinable time interval).In some embodiments, the time interval and/or determinations forreverting one or more processing action(s) are based on a desired levelof data security associated with the shared electronic data object, anassigned importance value associated with the shared electronic dataobject, a type of shared electronic data object, and/or the like.

In this regard, embodiments described herein provide improvements tomulti-user connection channel management. For example, such embodimentsimprove the efficiency and expediency at which the shared electronicdata object may be processed. By maintaining connection channel(s)associated with one another, such embodiments enable updating theconnection channel(s) to provide necessary functionality for achievingsuch efficient and/or expedient processing as user(s) change theirconnection channel(s) utilized to access functionality provided by theapparatus 200.

FIG. 9A illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 9A depicts an example process 900 for detecting, for a first userdata object, a connection channel change associated with a firstconnection channel. In some embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess 900 is embodied by computer program code stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium of a computer program productconfigured for execution to perform the computer-implemented method.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the example process900 may be performed by one or more specially configured computingdevices, such as the electronic object management system 102 embodied bythe specially configured apparatus 200. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 200 is specially configured by computerprogram instructions stored thereon, for example in the memory 204and/or another component depicted and/or described herein, and/orotherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, for performing the operationsas depicted and described with respect to the example process 900. Insome embodiments, the specially configured apparatus 200 includes and/orotherwise is in communication with one or more external apparatuses,systems, devices, and/or the like, to perform one or more of theoperations as depicted and described. For example, the apparatus 200 mayinclude and/or communicate with one or more external user computingdevices, for example each embodied by the specially configured apparatus300.

The process 900 begins at operation 902. In some embodiments, theprocess 900 begins after one or more operations of another process, suchas the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 900 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess, such as the operation 506 of the process 500 as depicted anddescribed. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 900.

At operation 902, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect connection via a secondconnection channel associated with a second computing device of thefirst user data object and disconnection from the first connectionchannel by the first computing device of the first user data object. Inthis regard, in some such embodiments, the connection to a secondcomputing device indicates the user has switched to utilizing the secondcomputing device. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 detectsthe connection via the second connection channel in response toreceiving a request to establish the second connection channelassociated with the first user data object via the second computingdevice, and/or an equivalent transmission. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 detects theconnection via the second connection channel in response to successfullycompleting a user authentication process as associated with the firstuser data object for establishing the second connection channel.

In this regard, by detecting the connection channel change from a firstcomputing device to a second computing device, the apparatus 200 mayperform one or more operations based on the differences between thedevices. For example, the apparatus 200 may identify the differences indevice capabilities and update one or more connection channel(s) basedon the identified differences, as described herein. In some embodiments,flow then continues to one or more operations of another process, forexample the process 1000 as described with respect to FIG. 10 .

FIG. 9B illustrates yet another flowchart including additionaloperations of an example process for connection channel management inaccordance with at least one example embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Specifically, FIG. 9B depicts an example process 950 fordetecting, for a first user data object, a connection channel changeassociated with a first connection channel. In some embodiments, thecomputer-implemented process 950 is embodied by computer program codestored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium of a computerprogram product configured for execution to perform thecomputer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, in someembodiments, the example process 950 may be performed by one or morespecially configured computing devices, such as the electronic objectmanagement system 102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 isspecially configured by computer program instructions stored thereon,for example in the memory 204 and/or another component depicted and/ordescribed herein, and/or otherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, forperforming the operations as depicted and described with respect to theexample process 950. In some embodiments, the specially configuredapparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is in communication with one ormore external apparatuses, systems, devices, and/or the like, to performone or more of the operations as depicted and described. For example,the apparatus 200 may include and/or communicate with one or moreexternal user computing devices, for example each embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300.

The process 950 begins at operation 952. In some embodiments, theprocess 950 begins after one or more operations of another process, suchas the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 950 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess, such as the operation 506 of the process 500 as depicted anddescribed. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 950.

At operation 952, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to detect connection, via a secondconnection channel, by the first computing device of the first user dataobject and disconnection from the first connection channel by the firstcomputing device of the first data object. In some such embodiments, thesecond connection channel is associated with a second communicationnetwork. For example, in some embodiments, the connection channel changeresults from a user-initiated change in networking mechanism resultingin a second communication network, and/or user-initiated change to a newconnection channel. In some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 detectsthe connection via the second connection channel in response toreceiving an updated request, transmission, and/or other notificationfrom the first computing device indicating a change to the secondcommunication network. For example, the apparatus 200 may receive suchinformation as part of a subsequent transmission to the apparatus 200after the user has connected the first computing device to the secondcommunication network. In some embodiments, the disconnection from thefirst connection channel is detected automatically based on establishingthe second connection channel. In other embodiments, the apparatus 200detects the disconnection in response to specific information receivedfrom the first computing device and/or second computing device (e.g., atransmission requesting disconnection of the first connection channel).

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 10 depicts an example process 1000 for detecting devicecapabilities, such as for use in updating one or more connectionchannel(s) based on such device capabilities. In some embodiments, thecomputer-implemented process 1000 is embodied by computer program codestored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium of a computerprogram product configured for execution to perform thecomputer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, in someembodiments, the example process 1000 may be performed by one or morespecially configured computing devices, such as the electronic objectmanagement system 102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, the apparatus 200 isspecially configured by computer program instructions stored thereon,for example in the memory 204 and/or another component depicted and/ordescribed herein, and/or otherwise accessible to the apparatus 200, forperforming the operations as depicted and described with respect to theexample process 900. In some embodiments, the specially configuredapparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is in communication with one ormore external apparatuses, systems, devices, and/or the like, to performone or more of the operations as depicted and described. For example,the apparatus 200 may include and/or communicate with one or moreexternal user computing devices, for example each embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300.

In various embodiments, the process 1000 includes any combination of theoperations described with respect to FIG. 10 . For example, in someembodiments, only one of the operations 1002-1010 is performed in aparticular embodiment. In other embodiments, any combination of theoperations 1002-1010 is performed, and/or all operations 1002-1010 areperformed.

In some embodiments, the process 1000 begins at operation 1002. In someembodiments, the process 1000 begins after one or more operations ofanother process, such as the operation 504 of the process 500 asdepicted and described. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, upon completion of the process 1000 flow proceeds to one ormore operations of another process, such as the operation 506 of theprocess 500 as depicted and described. In other embodiments, the flowends upon completion of the process 1000.

At operation 1002, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine the first computingdevice is capable of performing a first device capability that thesecond computing device is incapable of performing. In some suchembodiments, the apparatus 200 compares a list of device capabilitiesperformable by the first computing device with a list of devicecapabilities performable by the second computing device. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 compares onespecific device capability associated with functionality for a currentprocessing action to be performed associated with the shared electronicdata object. In some such embodiments, the determination that the secondcomputing device is incapable of performing the first device capabilityperformable by the first computing device (e.g., associated with aprevious connection channel) indicates that one or more updates to oneor more connection channel(s) is/are to be initiated. For example, insome embodiments, the determination indicates that one or moreconnection channel(s) should be updated to make inaccessible certainfunctionality that utilizes and/or relies on the first devicecapability. It should be appreciated that the device capabilities foreach of the first and second computing devices is determinable in any ofthe manners described herein.

At operation 1004, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine the second computingdevice is capable of performing a second device capability that thefirst computing device is incapable of performing. In some suchembodiments, for example, the apparatus 200 compares a list of devicecapabilities performable by the first computing device with a list ofdevice capabilities performable by the second computing device.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200compares one specific device capability associated with functionalityfor a current processing action to be performed associated with theshared electronic data object. In some such embodiments, thedetermination that the second computing device is capable of performingthe second device capability not performable by the first computingdevice (e.g., associated with a previous connection channel) indicatesthat one or more updates to one or more connection channel(s) is/are tobe initiated. For example, in some embodiments, the determinationindicates that one or more connection channel(s) should be updated tomake accessible certain functionality that utilizes and/or relies on thesecond device capability, and that may have previously been inaccessiblebecause the first computing device was incapable of performing thedevice capability. It should be appreciated that the device capabilitiesfor each of the first and second computing devices is determinable inany of the manners described herein.

At operation 1006, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine the first computingdevice is associated with a first level of electronic security and thesecond computing device is associated with a second level of electronicsecurity. In some such embodiments, the first level of electronicsecurity differs from the second level of electronic security. In somesuch embodiments, for example, the apparatus 200 determines the firstlevel of electronic security is determined based on various factors ofthe first computing device, and the second level of electronic securityis determined based on the same and/or alternative factors of the secondcomputing device. For example, in some embodiments, a level ofelectronic security for a particular device is associated with hardwareof the computing device, software installed and/or executing on thecomputing device (e.g., whether one or more secure applications areexecuting on the computing device, whether one or more unidentifiedand/or untrusted applications is/are executing on the computing device),network mechanisms and/or connected communication networks for thecomputing device (e.g., whether the computing device is connected to acommunication network utilizing wireless mechanisms or wired mechanisms,whether the communication network is public or private, whether thecommunication network is password or otherwise digitally secured, and/orthe like), and/or the like, or any combination of such factors. In thisregard, the apparatus 200 may request such information from each of thefirst computing device and the second computing device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 utilizes the determined level ofelectronic security for first and/or second computing device, and/or thedifference between such determined level of electronic security, inupdating one or more connection channel(s). For example, in someembodiments, the apparatus 200 initiates updates to one or moreconnection channel(s) to access particular functionality requiring ahigh level of electronic security in a circumstance where the level ofelectronic security for the second computing device satisfies aparticular threshold and the level of electronic security for the firstcomputing device does not satisfy the threshold. In another contextwhere the level of electronic security for the second computing devicedoes not satisfy a corresponding threshold and the level of electronicsecurity for the first computing device did satisfy the threshold, insome embodiments the apparatus 200 initiates updates to one or moreconnection channel(s) to make inaccessible particular functionalityrequiring a high level of electronic security. In yet other embodiments,the apparatus determines the second computing device is associated witha level of electronic security that is insufficient to perform a currentprocessing action. In some such embodiments, in response to thedetermination and in the manner described herein, the apparatus 200updates one or more connection channel(s) associated with other userdata objects for other users to provide access to functionality forperforming one or more subsequent processing action(s) out of turn bysuch users.

At operation 1008, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine the first computingdevice is associated with a first computing power and the secondcomputing device is associated with a second level of computing power.In some such embodiments, the first level of computing power differsfrom the second level of computing power. In some such embodiments, forexample, the apparatus 200 determines the first level of computing powerbased on various factors of the first computing device, and the secondlevel of computing power is determined based on the same and/oralternative factors of the second computing device. For example, in someembodiments, a level of computing power for a particular computingdevice is based on inherent properties of the hardware of the computingdevice (e.g., the processor processing speed, memory device(s) storagesize, networking interface transfer rate, and/or the like). Additionallyor alternatively, in some embodiments, the level of computing power fora particular computing device is based on executing software and/orfirmware on the computing device (e.g., the remaining processing poweravailable in view of all currently executing applications, a remainingamount of available network bandwidth, and/or the like). In this regard,the apparatus 200 may request such information from each of the firstcomputing device and the second computing device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 utilizes the determined level ofcomputing power for the first and/or second computing device, and/or thedifference between such levels of computing power, in updating one ormore connection channel(s). For example, in some embodiments, theapparatus 200 initiates updates to one or more connection channel(s) toaccess particular functionality requiring a certain level of computingpower to perform in a circumstance where the level of computing powerfor the second computing device satisfies a particular threshold and thelevel of computing power for the first computing device does not satisfythe threshold. In another context where the level of computing power forthe second computing device does not satisfy a corresponding thresholdand the level of computing power for the first computing device didsatisfy the threshold, in some embodiments the apparatus 200 initiatesupdates to one or more connection channel(s) to make inaccessibleparticular functionality requiring the threshold level of computingpower. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus determines the secondcomputing device is associated with a level of computing power that isinsufficient to perform a current processing action. In some suchembodiments, in response to the determination and in the mannerdescribed herein, the apparatus 200 updates one or more connectionchannel(s) associated with other user data objects for other users toprovide access to functionality for performing one or more subsequentprocessing action(s) out of turn by such users.

At operation 1010, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to determine the first computingdevice is associated with a first level of network connectivity and thesecond computing device is associated with a second level of networkconnectivity. In some such embodiments, the first level of networkconnectivity differs for the second level of network connectivity. Insome such embodiments, for example, the apparatus 200 determines thefirst level of network connectivity based on one or more factors of thefirst computing device, and the second level of network connectivity isdetermined based on the same and/or alternative factors of the secondcomputing device. For example, in some embodiments, a level ofnetworking connectivity for a particular computing device is based atleast on a network bandwidth available to the computing device.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a level ofnetworking connectivity for a particular computing device is based atleast on a signal strength between the computing device and an associatenetwork access point facilitating access to a communication network. Forexample, in one example context, the network access point is embodied bya router providing access to a Wi-Fi network. In another context, thenetwork access point is embodied by a cell tower communicable with thecomputing device. It should be appreciated that any of a number offactors, including distance, signal interference, physical interference,and/or any combination of other factors may affect the networkconnectivity of a particular computing device. In this regard, theapparatus 200 may request such information from each of the firstcomputing device and the second computing device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 utilizes the determined level ofnetwork connectivity for the first and/or second computing device,and/or the difference between such levels of network connectivity, inupdating one or more connection channel(s). For example, in someembodiments, the apparatus 200 initiates updates to one or moreconnection channel(s) to access particular functionality requiring acertain level of network connectivity to perform in a circumstance wherethe level of networking connectivity for the second computing devicesatisfies a particular threshold and the level of network connectivityfor the first computing device does not satisfy the threshold. Inanother context where the level of network connectivity for the secondcomputing device does not satisfy a corresponding threshold (e.g.,indicating a transmission failure is likely, a required file is toolarge to be transmitted in a determined time interval, and/or the like)and the level of network connectivity for the first computing device didsatisfy the corresponding threshold, in some embodiments the apparatus200 initiates one or more updates to one or more connection channel(s)to make inaccessible particular functionality requiring the thresholdlevel of network connectivity. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus200 determines the second computing device is associated with a level ofnetwork connectivity that is insufficient to perform a currentprocessing action. In some such embodiments, in response to thedetermination and in the manner described herein, the apparatus 200updates one or more connection channel(s) associated with other userdata objects for other users to provide access to functionality forperforming one or more subsequent processing action(s) out of turn bysuch users.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart including additional operations of anexample process for connection channel management in accordance with atleast one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 11 depicts an example process 1100 for updating the functionalityassociated with the shared electronic data object for at least one of aplurality of connection channels based on a detected connection channelchange. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented process 1100 isembodied by computer program code stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of a computer program product configured forexecution to perform the computer-implemented method. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, the example process 1100 may beperformed by one or more specially configured computing devices, such asthe electronic object management system 102 embodied by the speciallyconfigured apparatus 200. In this regard, in some such embodiments, theapparatus 200 is specially configured by computer program instructionsstored thereon, for example in the memory 204 and/or another componentdepicted and/or described herein, and/or otherwise accessible to theapparatus 200, for performing the operations as depicted and describedwith respect to the example process 1100. In some embodiments, thespecially configured apparatus 200 includes and/or otherwise is incommunication with one or more external apparatuses, systems, devices,and/or the like, to perform one or more of the operations as depictedand described. For example, the apparatus 200 may include and/orcommunicate with one or more external user computing devices, forexample each embodied by the specially configured apparatus 300.

The process 1100 begins at operation 1102. In some embodiments, theprocess 1100 begins after one or more operations of another process,such as the operation 504 of the process 500 as depicted and described.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, upon completion ofthe process 1100 flow proceeds to one or more operations of anotherprocess. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completion of theprocess 1100.

At operation 1102, the apparatus 200 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, electronicdata management circuitry 210, channel connection management circuitry212, processor 202, and/or the like, to update a second connectionchannel associated with a second computing device of a plurality ofcomputing devices to access second functionality associated with theshared electronic data object. In some such embodiments, the secondconnection channel is associated with a second user data object of theplurality of user data objects. For example, in this regard, theapparatus 200 in some such embodiments updates a connection channelassociated with another user that differs from the user that underwentthe connection channel changes, such that the other user's functionalityis updated based on the connection channel change. In some embodiments,for example, the apparatus 200 updates the connection channel for eachuser data object having access to the shared electronic data object toensure consistent functionality is accessible by all users. For example,in some embodiments, in a circumstance where the apparatus determines,based on a detected connection channel change that the first user dataobject is utilizing a computing device that does not have a particulardevice capability, the apparatus 200 updates each connection channel forall other users associated with the particular shared electronic dataobject to ensure each user has access to the same functionality thatutilizes or otherwise relies on a device capability performable by allcomputing devices connected via a connection channel. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, in a circumstance where the apparatus200 determines that functionality should be accessible that enables oneor more users to perform a processing action out of turn, the apparatus200 updates a second connection channel associated with the secondcomputing device to enable the user to perform the processing action outof turn. In an example circumstance, for example, the apparatus 200provides access to such functionality in a circumstance where theapparatus 200 determines, from the connection channel change, that thefirst user data object cannot perform a current processing operation forany of a myriad of reasons, such as the user is utilizing a computingdevice that does not have a sufficient level of computing power, networkconnectivity, and/or electronic security, the computing device isutilizing an unsecure communication mechanism and/or is connected to anunsecure communication network, and/or the first user computing deviceis incapable of performing a device capability required for performingthe current processing action.

In this regard, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 maintainsconnection channel(s) for user data objects associated with a sharedelectronic data object in a manner that associates such connectionchannel(s) and/or user data object(s). In some such contexts, theapparatus 200 identifies the associated connection channel(s) and/oruser data objects to update appropriate connection channel(s) when oneof the user data objects experiences a connection channel change. Inthis regard, such embodiments provide improvements by enablingmulti-user connection channel management not previously utilized inconventional systems. Further, by updating one or more connectionchannel(s) in response to detected connection channel change(s),embodiments provide improvements by ensuring appropriate functionalityis accessible to all users at all times to improve overall efficiencyfor completing processing of an electronic data object withoutsacrificing data security, utilizing the methodologies described herein.

Example User Computing Device Processes of the Disclosure

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart including operations of an exampleprocess for connection channel management in accordance with at leastone example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 12depicts an example process 1200 for improved multi-user connectionchannel management. In some embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess 1200 is embodied by computer program code stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium of a computer program productconfigured for execution to perform the computer-implemented method.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the example process1200 may be performed by one or more specially configured computingdevices, such as the user computing devices 104 embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 300 is specially configured by computerprogram instructions stored thereon, for example in the memory 304and/or another component depicted and/or described herein, and/orotherwise accessible to the apparatus 300, for performing the operationsas depicted and described with respect to the example process 1200. Insome embodiments, the specially configured apparatus 300 includes and/orotherwise is in communication with one or more external apparatuses,systems, devices, and/or the like, to perform one or more of theoperations as depicted and described. For example, the apparatus 300 mayinclude and/or communicate with one or more external electronic datamanagement system(s), for example the electronic data management system102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus 200.

The process 1200 begins at optional operation 1202. At optionaloperation 1202, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to provide, to the electronic datamanagement system, user authentication credentials associated with afirst user data object. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 receivesthe user authentication credentials in response to user input by a userof the apparatus 300. In other embodiments, the authenticationcredentials are automatically determined and/or retrieved. For example,in some embodiments, the authentication credentials are stored by theapparatus 300 upon input by a user at an earlier time. In otherembodiments, the authentication credentials are automatically determinedfrom the computing device, for example based on one or more hardwareidentifiers associated with the computing device, software-basedidentifiers associated with the computing device (e.g., IP and/or otherattributed identifiers), and/or the like. As described herein, theelectronic data management system in some embodiments receives the userauthentication credentials for attempting to authenticate the userauthentication credentials and/or identifying a user data objectassociated therewith.

At operation 1204, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to establish, with an electronic datamanagement system, a connection channel associated with processing ashared electronic data object. In some such embodiments, the connectionchannel is established associated with the first user data object. Insome embodiments, as described herein, the connection channel isestablished associated with the first user data object in response tosuccessful authentication, by the electronic data management system, ofuser authentication credentials provided to the electronic datamanagement system. In some contexts, the established connection channelenables a secure channel for data transmissions between the apparatus300 and the electronic data management system. For example, in thisregard, the established connection channel enables the user of theapparatus 300 to perform actions via the electronic data managementsystem, and the electronic data management system to associate suchactions with the first user data object with reasonable certainty thatthe user performing the actions is authenticated. In some suchembodiments, the apparatus 300 transmits one or more specializedrequests to the electronic data management system to initiateestablishment of the connection channel. Additionally or alternatively,in some such embodiments, the connection channel is established inconjunction with the electronic data management system in the mannerdescribed herein with respect to operations 502.

At operation 1206, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to cause rendering of a user interfaceincluding one or more interface elements that provide access to firstfunctionality via the electronic data management system. For example, insome embodiments, the first functionality provided is associated withaccessing one or more electronic data object(s) associated with the userdata object, including the shared electronic data object, and/orperforming user-driven actions currently to be performed associated withprocessing an electronic data object such as the shared electronic dataobject. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, theelectronic data management system provides, for example via theestablished connection channel, one or more data transmissions speciallyconfigured to cause the particular one or more interface elements to berendered. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system determines functionality accessible to the first userdata object, and provides specific user interface elements that enablesaccessing such functionality. In some embodiments, for example, theapparatus 300 renders the user interface as one or more web interfacesincluding the one or more interface elements. In other embodiments, theapparatus 300 renders the user interface within one or more nativeapplications executed via the apparatus 300.

At operation 1208, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to receive an indication of a connectionchannel change. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 receives theindication of the connection channel change from the electronic datamanagement system. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic datamanagement system detects a connection channel change associated withthe apparatus 300 and/or a computing device of another user data objectsimilarly associated with the shared electronic data object. In otherembodiments, the apparatus 300 automatically receives the indication ofthe connection channel change, for example in response to user input viathe apparatus 300 and/or other user interaction with one or moreconfigurations of the apparatus 300. Additionally or alternatively, insome embodiments, the indication is received by the apparatus 300 inresponse to monitoring certain configurations of the apparatus 300, suchas a connected communication network utilized for transmissions over theInternet, available computing power, network connectivity, and/or thelike. In some embodiments, the indication of the channel change includesinformation to be utilized in updating the functionality accessible bythe apparatus 300.

At operation 1210, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to cause updated rendering, in responseto receiving the indication of the connection channel change, of theuser interface to comprise one or more second interface elements thatprovide access to updated functionality via the electronic datamanagement system. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 removes one ormore interface elements from the user interface, renders one or more newinterface elements to the user interface, and/or changes a status (e.g.,an interactable status) of one or more interface elements of the userinterface to enable access to updated functionality. In otherembodiments, the apparatus 300 updates the user interface by rendering anew second user interface instead of the user interface, wherein thesecond user interface comprises the one or more second interfaceelements to provide access to the updated functionality. In someembodiments, at least one of the one or more second interface element(s)is/are configured to utilize device capabilities of the apparatus 300.Some such device capabilities, in some embodiments, are determined basedon the connection channel change and/or identified from and/or otherwisedeterminable from received the indication. For example, in an examplecircumstance, the indication indicates another user has changed to a newcomputing device that is capable of performing a second devicecapability as opposed to a first device capability, and the one or moresecond interface elements enables access to functionality that utilizesthe second device capability. In other embodiments, for example where adetected connection channel change indicates a user cannot perform auser-driven action of a current step and/or stage of processing theshared electronic data object, the apparatus 300 the one or more secondinterface elements provides access to functionality for performing, viathe apparatus 300, one or more user-driven actions out of turn withrespect to a defined order. For example, in some embodiments, theupdated functionality enables performing one or more user-driven actionsassociated with a subsequent stage of processing the shared electronicdata object, as described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart including operations of an exampleprocess for connection channel management in accordance with at leastone example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 13depicts an example process 1300 for improved multi-user connectionchannel management. In some embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess 1300 is embodied by computer program code stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium of a computer program productconfigured for execution to perform the computer-implemented method.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the example process1300 may be performed by one or more specially configured computingdevices, such as the user computing devices 104 embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 300 is specially configured by computerprogram instructions stored thereon, for example in the memory 304and/or another component depicted and/or described herein, and/orotherwise accessible to the apparatus 300, for performing the operationsas depicted and described with respect to the example process 1300. Insome embodiments, the specially configured apparatus 300 includes and/orotherwise is in communication with one or more external apparatuses,systems, devices, and/or the like, to perform one or more of theoperations as depicted and described. For example, the apparatus 300 mayinclude and/or communicate with one or more external electronic datamanagement system(s), for example the electronic data management system102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus 200.

The process 1300 begins at operation 1302. In some embodiments, theprocess 1300 begins after one or more operations of another process,such as the operation 1208 of the process 1200 as depicted anddescribed. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, uponcompletion of the process 1300 flow proceeds to one or more operationsof another process. In other embodiments, the flow ends upon completionof the process 1300.

At operation 1302, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to cause updated rendering of the userinterface to comprise an alert indicating that a first device capabilityincapable of performance by the apparatus 300 is preferred or required.As described herein, for example, in some embodiments the devicecapability is utilized to securely provide information required forfurther processing the shared electronic data object, submitting anelectronic user authorization, and/or the like. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, the device capability is indicated aspreferred or required for submitting data of a particular type (e.g.,captured image data) for a current step of processing action inprocessing the shared electronic data object. In one example context,the alert indicates that a camera module is required, but notperformable via the apparatus 300, for a current processing action thatinvolves taking a picture of a user identification document for use invalidating the identity of the user (e.g., a driver's license, socialsecurity card, and/or the like) as part of processing a particularshared electronic data object (e.g., a loan application on behalf of acompany). In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus 300 receivesthe alert as a transmission from the electronic data management system,where the transmission includes information indicating the first devicecapability is preferred or required for rendering via one or more userinterfaces of the apparatus 300. In other embodiments, the apparatus 300generates and/or causes updated rendering of the alert.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart including operations of an exampleprocess for connection channel management in accordance with at leastone example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 14depicts an example process 1400 for improved multi-user connectionchannel management. In some embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess 1400 is embodied by computer program code stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium of a computer program productconfigured for execution to perform the computer-implemented method.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the example process1400 may be performed by one or more specially configured computingdevices, such as the user computing devices 104 embodied by thespecially configured apparatus 300. In this regard, in some suchembodiments, the apparatus 300 is specially configured by computerprogram instructions stored thereon, for example in the memory 304and/or another component depicted and/or described herein, and/orotherwise accessible to the apparatus 300, for performing the operationsas depicted and described with respect to the example process 1400. Insome embodiments, the specially configured apparatus 300 includes and/orotherwise is in communication with one or more external apparatuses,systems, devices, and/or the like, to perform one or more of theoperations as depicted and described. For example, the apparatus 300 mayinclude and/or communicate with one or more external electronic datamanagement system(s), for example the electronic data management system102 embodied by the specially configured apparatus 200.

The process 1400 begins at operation 1402. In some embodiments, theprocess 1400 begins after one or more operations of another process,such as the operation 1206 of the process 1200 as depicted anddescribed. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, uponcompletion of the process 1400 flow proceeds to one or more operationsof another process, such as the operation 1208 of the process 1200 asdepicted and described herein. In other embodiments, the flow ends uponcompletion of the process 1400.

At operation 1402, the apparatus 300 includes means, such as theinput/output circuitry 306, communications circuitry 308, usermanagement circuitry 312, specialized device capabilities circuitry 310,processor 302, and/or the like, to initiate a connection channel changewith the electronic data management system by establishing a connectionwith a second connection channel associated with the first user dataobject. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus 300 initiates aconnection channel change in response to a change on the apparatus 300of a communication network with which the apparatus 300 is connected.For example, in some embodiments, the user of the apparatus 300initiates a connection with a new communication network in response to auser interaction updating a network configuration of the apparatus 300.In other embodiments, the connection channel change is initiated inresponse to one or more hardware and/or physical updates to theapparatus 300, for example plugging into a wired network connection(e.g., an ethernet connection) or disconnecting from a wired networkconnection. Upon such interactions, the apparatus 300 may reinitiateestablishing a connection channel in the manner described herein withrespect to operation 1202. In some such embodiments, the secondconnection channel change is detected by the electronic data managementsystem in response to establishing and/or initiating the secondconnection channel associated with the first user data object. In otherembodiments, as described herein, a connection channel change isinitiated in response to a user initiating a connection channel via asecond computing device associated with the first user data object.

Embodiments described herein enable dynamic user interfaces that providethe appropriate access to functionality to be utilized by a user. Such adynamic interface may be updated once or more in response to detectedconnection channel changes in real-time, and/or at determinabletimestamp intervals (e.g., at a particular refresh rate) to furtherreduce required computing resources utilized to maintain the userinterface. Similarly, it should be appreciated that such user interfaceupdating methodologies may be implemented on a plurality of usercomputing devices, and thus multiple computing devices may update in thesame or different manners as appropriate based on a detected connectionchannel change to maintain a desirable and efficient user experience. Inthis regard, such embodiments provide improved mechanisms not performedby conventional systems and incapable of such performance due to thenature of connection channel management by such conventional systems.

CONCLUSION

Although an example processing system has been described herein,implementations of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed herein can be implemented in other types of digital electroniccircuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them.

Embodiments of the subject matter and the operations described hereincan be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computersoftware, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed inthis specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinationsof one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter describedherein can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one ormore modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computerstorage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of,information/data processing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition,the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially-generatedpropagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, orelectromagnetic signal, which is generated to encode information/datafor transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by aninformation/data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be,or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, acomputer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memoryarray or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover,while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computerstorage medium can be a source or destination of computer programinstructions encoded in an artificially-generated propagated signal. Thecomputer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or moreseparate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, orother storage devices).

The operations described herein can be implemented as operationsperformed by an information/data processing apparatus oninformation/data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devicesor received from other sources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a repositorymanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor information/data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markuplanguage document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described herein can be performed by oneor more programmable processors executing one or more computer programsto perform actions by operating on input information/data and generatingoutput. Processors suitable for the execution of a computer programinclude, by way of example, both general and special purposemicroprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digitalcomputer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions andinformation/data from a read-only memory or a random access memory orboth. The essential elements of a computer are a processor forperforming actions in accordance with instructions and one or morememory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computerwill also include, or be operatively coupled to receive information/datafrom or transfer information/data to, or both, one or more mass storagedevices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, oroptical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Devicessuitable for storing computer program instructions and information/datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subjectmatter described herein can be implemented on a computer having adisplay device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) monitor, for displaying information/data to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's client device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented ina computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as aninformation/data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g.,an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., aclient computer having a graphical user interface or a web browserthrough which a user can interact with an implementation of the subjectmatter described herein, or any combination of one or more suchback-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of thesystem can be interconnected by any form or medium of digitalinformation/data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examplesof communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and awide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In someembodiments, a server transmits information/data (e.g., an HTML page) toa client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying information/data toand receiving user input from a user interacting with the clientdevice). Information/data generated at the client device (e.g., a resultof the user interaction) can be received from the client device at theserver.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosures.Certain features that are described herein in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described herein as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the embodiments described herein should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should beunderstood that the described program components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processorand at least one memory, the at least one memory having computer-codedinstructions stored thereon that, in execution with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus to: establish a plurality of connectionchannels associated with a plurality of user data objects, eachconnection channel enabling access to functionality associated with ashared electronic data object via one of a plurality of computingdevices; detect, for a first user data object of the plurality of userdata objects, a connection channel change associated with a firstconnection channel corresponding to a first computing device; and updatethe functionality associated with the shared electronic data object forat least one of the plurality of connection channels based on thedetected connection channel change.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe shared electronic data object includes electronically-maintaineddocuments or data records.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein toupdate the functionality associated with the shared electronic dataobject for the at least one of the plurality of connection channelsbased on the detected connection channel change, the apparatus is causedto: detect the connection channel change from the first connectionchannel corresponding to the first computing device of the first userdata object to a second connection channel corresponding to a secondcomputing device of the first user data object; determine the secondcomputing device is incapable of performing a first device capability;detect the second computing device is capable of performing a seconddevice capability; and update the functionality associated with theshared electronic data object for the second connection channel toenable use of the second device capability that the second computingdevice is capable of performing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe first device capability includes a threshold level of one or more ofa current level of computing power, a current network connectivity, anda current level of device security.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe second device capability includes one or more of a threshold levelof one or more of a current level of computing power, a current networkconnectivity, and a current level of device security.
 6. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the first device capability includes using a cameramodule to capture an image and the second device capability includesuploading an image file.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein arespective user data object of the plurality of user data objects isassociated with a respective connection channel of the plurality ofconnection channels that links to a respective computing device of theplurality of computing devices.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein arespective connection channel of the plurality of connection channels isestablished in response to one or more transmissions received from arespective computing device of the plurality of computing devices. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more transmissions includedata utilized in identifying a respective user data object of theplurality of user data objects for associating with the respectiveconnection channel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the datautilized in identifying the respective user data object includes one ormore of a device identifier, a natural person identifier, and userauthentication credentials.
 11. A computer-implemented methodcomprising: establishing a plurality of connection channels associatedwith a plurality of user data objects, each connection channel enablingaccess to functionality associated with a shared electronic data objectvia one of a plurality of computing devices; detecting, for a first userdata object of the plurality of user data objects, a connection channelchange associated with a first connection channel corresponding to afirst computing device; and updating the functionality associated withthe shared electronic data object for at least one of the plurality ofconnection channels based on the detected connection channel change. 12.The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the sharedelectronic data object includes electronically-maintained documents ordata records.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, whereinupdating the functionality associated with the shared electronic dataobject for the at least one of the plurality of connection channelsbased on the detected connection channel change comprises: detecting theconnection channel change from the first connection channelcorresponding to the first computing device of the first user dataobject to a second connection channel corresponding to a secondcomputing device of the first user data object; determining the secondcomputing device is incapable of performing a first device capability;detecting the second computing device is capable of performing a seconddevice capability; and updating the functionality associated with theshared electronic data object for the second connection channel toenable use of the second device capability that the second computingdevice is capable of performing.
 14. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 13, wherein the first device capability includes a threshold levelof one or more of a current level of computing power, a current networkconnectivity, and a current level of device security.
 15. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein the second devicecapability includes one or more of a threshold level of one or more of acurrent level of computing power, a current network connectivity, and acurrent level of device security.
 16. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 13, wherein the first device capability includes using a cameramodule to capture an image and the second device capability includesuploading an image file.
 17. A computer program product comprising atleast one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer program code stored thereon that, in execution with at leastone processor, configures the computer program product to: establish aplurality of connection channels associated with a plurality of userdata objects, each connection channel enabling access to functionalityassociated with a shared electronic data object via one of a pluralityof computing devices; detect, for a first user data object of theplurality of user data objects, a connection channel change associatedwith a first connection channel corresponding to a first computingdevice; and update the functionality associated with the sharedelectronic data object for at least one of the plurality of connectionchannels based on the detected connection channel change.
 18. Thecomputer program product of claim 17, wherein the shared electronic dataobject includes electronically-maintained documents or data records. 19.The computer program product of claim 17, wherein to update thefunctionality associated with the shared electronic data object for theat least one of the plurality of connection channels based on thedetected connection channel change, the computer program product isconfigured to: detect the connection channel change from the firstconnection channel corresponding to the first computing device of thefirst user data object to a second connection channel corresponding to asecond computing device of the first user data object; determine thesecond computing device is incapable of performing a first devicecapability; detect the second computing device is capable of performinga second device capability; and update the functionality associated withthe shared electronic data object for the second connection channel toenable use of the second device capability that the second computingdevice is capable of performing.
 20. The computer program product ofclaim 19, wherein the first device capability includes using a cameramodule to capture an image and the second device capability includesuploading an image file.